Hi, this is Fred Wallace with ” Off the Wire ” brought to you by Auto Logic, the Logical Choice.
The Collingwood Admirals Junior C Hockey Club was sunk before the first drop of the puck.
The Admirals were admitted by the Ontario Hockey Association for entry into the Georgian MidOntario Junior C League, but the existing franchises, primarily the Stayner Siskins, balked, and through an appeal process beyond the OHA, the Admirals were stopped before ever setting sail.
I fully understand the objection of Stayner, and it appears the Siskins, who have been members in good standing in this loop for more than 30 years, had the backing of their league counterparts.
I also have no doubt that the Collingwood team would have been a huge success looking at the management and coaching staff who have enjoyed hockey success in the town seemingly forever.
And most of all, I understand the OHA wants Collingwood as an market, and while unstated, I’m convinced they’re very wary of leagues like the GMHL moving into that territory if it remains vacant.
Stayner, the Georgian MidOntario League members, the Admirals and the OHA all have valid desires, agendas and viewpoints in this scenario, but it is a scenario that cannot possibly satisfy everyone.
I’m Fred Wallace