Allan Harvie Jr., general manager of the Richmond Renegades hockey team, announced Tuesday that he would apply for a one-year suspension of the team if a new investor could not be found by summer.
“Between buying gas or buying health care or buying a ticket to an event — whether it is hockey or anything else — the choice is obvious,” he said.
Harvie said playoff ticket sales have been “disappointing” and season ticket pre-sales for next year have been “negligible.”
Sponsorships have suffered as well. Many sponsors have told the team they won’t be returning next year or that they will have to reduce the amount of money they commit, Harvie said. Some sponsors said that they could only trade services to stay on.
As a result, the team’s lead investor has decided not to go forward, leaving the team without financial backing.
“Last June and July, we were trending 30 percent above the year before. Then the bottom dropped out for everybody,” Harvie said.
He said those who purchased season tickets for next year will receive refunds in the next two days.
The announcement came with a slight twist: Harvie said he had talked with a possible investor who is interested in buying either part of or a majority interest in the team.
“My hope is something comes to fruition,” Harvie said. “Unless that happens, we will apply for a one-year suspension.”
The announcement comes even as the Renegades have a shot at winning the Southern Professional Hockey League championship.
“We have a very real opportunity this season for a championship. That’s what we are focusing on,” Harvie said.
Allan Harvie Jr., general manager of the Richmond Renegades hockey team, announced Tuesday that he would apply for a one-year suspension of the team if a new investor could not be found by summer.
“Between buying gas or buying health care or buying a ticket to an event — whether it is hockey or anything else — the choice is obvious,” he said.
Harvie said playoff ticket sales have been “disappointing” and season ticket pre-sales for next year have been “negligible.”
Sponsorships have suffered as well. Many sponsors have told the team they won’t be returning next year or that they will have to reduce the amount of money they commit, Harvie said. Some sponsors said that they could only trade services to stay on.
As a result, the team’s lead investor has decided not to go forward, leaving the team without financial backing.
“Last June and July, we were trending 30 percent above the year before. Then the bottom dropped out for everybody,” Harvie said.
He said those who purchased season tickets for next year will receive refunds in the next two days.
The announcement came with a slight twist: Harvie said he had talked with a possible investor who is interested in buying either part of or a majority interest in the team.
“My hope is something comes to fruition,” Harvie said. “Unless that happens, we will apply for a one-year suspension.”
The announcement comes even as the Renegades have a shot at winning the Southern Professional Hockey League championship.
“We have a very real opportunity this season for a championship. That’s what we are focusing on,” Harvie said.