Following a season filled with losses, the Sarnia Legionnaires are getting new owners.
The Jr. B hockey team is going back to the group that managed it before they ended the season at 0-50.
Owner and general manager Jonathan Periard is leaving after just one year, and the previous ownership team of four individuals is returning to lead, as confirmed by the league. This group includes Theo Bet, Paul Hurtubise, Cliff Smith, and Terry Lilley.
The commissioner for the Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL), Chris Spada, didn’t provide details when asked if it was a mutual decision to part ways.
“I think that’s something we’ll leave as an internal matter at this time,” Spada told .
“This was something that was decided amongst previous, current [ownership] and me, per se, so I would leave it at that for now.”
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The La Salle Vipers and Legionnaires battle for the puck in front of Sarnia’s net in GOHL action earlier this season. (Sarnia Legionnaires/Facebook/Shawna Lavoie Photography)
The team wrapped up its winless season with an 8-2 loss in Elmira on Sunday – finishing with a goal differential of minus-258.
Spada mentioned that the new (old) owners had a long history with the team and stepped away last year because they thought it was time to move on.
“I don’t want to say they’re back at it unwillingly. They’re certainly back at it because they care and love the team and have always cared about the organization being successful.”
Spada believes this change is beneficial for the GOHL.
has reached out to Periard for comment but hasn’t received any response. Periard’s son played for the team.
“The obligations for the new purchaser were not able to be fulfilled by him, and therefore the situation reverted back to the original group,” Spada said.
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The Legionnaires, in red, try and take the puck from the opposition in front of their net in GOHL game action. (Sarnia Legionnaires/Facebook/Shawna Lavoie Photography)
The club didn’t manage to earn even a single point this season – something never seen since the league started in 2007.
“The on-ice product was not a result of past ownership, is what I’d say,” added Spada.
Even with all their losses, attendance remained strong according to Spada. The team plays at Sarnia’s Pat Stapleton Arena.
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