Sakamoto heads Hurricanes Advisory Committee

LETHBRIDGE – Despite a past attempt to purchase the Lethbridge Hurricanes franchise, renowned concert promoter Ron Sakamoto is making it clear that’s no longer his intention.

“I’m not going to buy the hockey team, I don’t want to buy the hockey team,” said Sakamoto at a news conference Friday.

Instead, Sakamoto hopes to help the WHL franchise in a different capacity. He’s one of the founding members of the Hurricanes Advisory Committee, a group of local business people and politicians who will try to use their clout and money to help the Hurricanes with promotion, ticket sales and fundraising.

“They have real good, strong business acumen,” said Hurricanes board president Doug Paisley. “They have influence in the community, and to get these guys behind us adds some credibility.”

Sakamoto says he sees the shape the organization is in, and believes action needs to be taken. “They’re deep in debt, and the truth is if we don’t turn this around, they’re going to lose this team,” he said.

Years of losing on the ice have caught up with the Hurricanes who have lost more than $1 million over the past five years. It’s caused a rift in the community owned club and next year shareholders will vote whether to put the team up for sale.

The Hurricanes president feels an active Advisory Committee will help make the franchise sustainable.

“Time is of the essence, but not only for the shareholders, but from a league standpoint,” said Paisley. “We have made some mistakes. These guys are willing to step up and use their contacts and use their influence to support this local community owned team, and that’s what it’s about.”

Sakamoto, the 33rd largest concert promoter in the world hopes to use his clout to help his hometown Hurricanes. He’s floated the idea of giving ‘Canes season ticket holders first access to tickets for concerts he brings to the Enmax Centre. He also mentioned the idea of a benefit concert for the team.

“In order to keep it here, keep it community minded, keep it for the community is really important to me because I love this community,” said Sakamoto. “It just might take a little tweaking, but if we can help, I want to help.”