CLARENVILLE, N.L. — Hockey fans in Newfoundland and Labrador may be champing at the bit for a glimpse of its newest hockey team on the ice — the Newfoundland Growlers, to be based out of St. John’s — and Clarenville residents may be getting an early look at the team this fall.
At the Tuesday night, June 5, council meeting Coun. Rod Nicholl, chairman of the Recreation and Community Development committee, said the town received a request from the Growlers organization to host an exhibition game at the Eastlink Events Centre (EEC) in October.
Nicholl said at the meeting they would provide the venue at no charge to the team and be responsible for all off-ice officials throughout the game. However, the town would receive all proceeds from the operation of the canteen, bar and 50/50 ticket sales, and any other fundraising during the game would also go to the EEC and the town.
“It’s another entertainment source for the community,” said Nicholl.
He added the Growlers’ initial offer was for the town to “buy” the event for $30,000 but, citing “problems we’ve had in the past,” the town refused that offer.
Under the model of taking the canteen revenue, etc. Nicholl feels they can generate revenue, while providing entertainment for the residents.
Council passed the adoption of the committee report unanimously, accepting the recreation committee’s recommendation for the town to proceed with further scheduling and planning pertaining to the Growlers game.
While it is still early days in the scheduling, Nicholl confirmed to The Packet the plan is for the Growlers to take on another unnamed team from the ECHL in the exhibition contest.
Twitter: @jejparsons
