The Nanaimo Clippers current ownership group has given the city a 2 week ultimatum. Find new local owners or the team will be moved or moth balled.
The city of Nanaimo is on the clock now that the top team has served notice they'll be moving on or closing down if new local owner's can't be found.
Owner Ken Wagner, says the team has been for sale for a while now and they are done writing cheques. "I don't want to be the guy to move the team after 45 years, I've been doing it for 11 years and we need to find local owners to carry the flag."
A referendum last week saw voters say no to a new arena/event centre and no to the potential of a WHL team if the complex was built.
Wagner says he felt like the team was forced to look for a new home and he says they found one. The Island location is so far nameless but it's believed Campbell River is very interested in having a Jr A hockey team. The only other option is for the team to cease operations.
The BCHL Nanaimo Clippers have produced NHLers like Jason Garrison and Matt Irwin, but after averaging 1,300 fans a game last year at Frank Crane Arena, owners say it’s not enough to pay the bills.