Bracebridge is poised to take another step towards the return of Jr. “C” hockey.
Next week the Bracebridge general committee will consider a five-year lease with the Muskoka Bears for use of the under-construction Muskoka Lumber Arena.
In early August 2023, Town staff met with Dave Veitch to discuss the potential of bringing a Junior “C” hockey team to Bracebridge to play out of the Muskoka Lumber Arena, as per a Town staff report. In late September, Veitch and members of the Board of Directors were notified by the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) and Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) that they were successful in their application to purchase a franchise in the PJHL. The team is to be called the Muskoka Bears.
The Bracebridge Memorial Arena has been the home arena for a number of Junior Hockey Clubs in past years, the report indicates. In the 1970’s it was the Bracebridge Bears; in the 1980’s the Muskoka Bears; in 2012 the Bracebridge Phantoms, in 2017 the Bracebridge Pioneers and in 2019 the Muskoka Shield.
The PJHL is a Canadian junior ice hockey league spanning parts of Southern Ontario and includes the Huntsville Otters. The PJHL is the third tier of the OHA and is sanctioned by the Ontario Hockey Federation and Hockey Canada. The league was formed in 2016 with the merging of eight Junior C leagues. PJHL teams compete for the Clarence Schmalz Cup.
The PJHL season for the Muskoka Bears is set to commence in mid-September 2024. However, Town staff indicate the team will require an office and ice time prior to that date to prepare for the season.
The club will have approximately 20 players on their roster and will play 21 home games, plus playoffs. The majority of their games will be played on Friday evenings after 6:00 p.m. and two practices per week will be held on weekdays.
The Town staff report indicates that based on the draft recreation fees being developed by staff, the recommended ice rental fee for the club for 2024-2025 season is $225.50 per hour for primetime ice and $198 for non-prime time. If approved, the estimated annual rental from the Club is $24,000 for the 2024/2025 season and $1,200 for the team room and office space.
Councillors will consider the lease during the general committee meeting Nov. 7 at 9 a.m.
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