The Abbotsford Heat hockey club is staying put in the Fraser Valley, at least for next season.
Talks broke down between the Canucks, who would have moved their new farm team to the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre, and the City of Abbotsford, Mayor Bruce Banman said Monday.
The Heat were rumoured to be relocated to Utica, N.Y.
“There has been public discussion regarding the potential for the Vancouver Canucks to become the prime tenants of the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre,” Banman said.
“Unfortunately, the City of Abbotsford was unable to negotiate an agreement with the Canucks with terms that were satisfactory within the time constraints.
“We’re naturally disappointed this deal couldn’t come together, but any deal we make has to see Abbotsford taxpayers better off than they are right now, and that is one issue that isn’t negotiable.”
In 2008, Abbotsford — then under a different administration — started pursuing a minor league pro team as anchor tenant for the new 7,000-seat arena, and eventually landed Calgary’s farm team under a controversial and complicated deal.
Except when the Heat host the Canucks’ farm hands, attendance has been dismal for Heat home games. Abbotsford taxpayers have shelled out $3.5 million over three years to cover shortfalls in attendance.
The contract has the Heat staying in Abbotsford until 2019, but the city had hoped it could reach a deal with the Canucks that didn’t cost taxpayers so much — hockey fans presumably being more willing to pay to watch Canucks’ prospects than the rival Flames’.
The Canucks, unhappy with their relationship with the independently owned Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League, bought the Peoria (Illinois) Rivermen from the St. Louis Blues in March. Employees at the rink where the Rivermen played were told the club will be leaving.
Canucks Sports & Entertainment issued a statement saying no decisions have yet been made for the 2013-14 operation of the Rivermen.
Comments