Coach Tom McCarthy, Coach Jason Rapcewicz and GM Chad Clarke formed a new ownership group without Clayden at the helm. Currently the new ownership group is working tirelessly to save junior hockey in Espanola. The trio presented last night to Mayor and Council for a return to the NOJHL for the upcoming season. The presentation was received with cheers and applause as the town hall lit up with a standing ovation of support from the packed house.
Coach Tom McCarthy who had an extensive NHL career as an all star, a high end scorer who played for the Boston Bruins and Minesota North Stars is going to relocate his family to Espanola. This will make the trio of owners all local residents of Espanola.
Mayor and Council will be expected to vote on the current proposal by mid March. Then the process will switch to a vote of the NOJHL board of govenors which should take place after the Espanola town council vote. Should both those votes go in favour of the Express the final step will be to seek NOHA (the governing body for hockey in Northern Ontario) approval. This final Noha acceptance should be received by the end of May
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