The West Âé¶čAV Warriors have found new front office management.
On Monday, the British Columbia Hockey Leagues Board of Governors approved the sale of the franchise to businessman John Murphy and Okanagan local Rod Hume.
âWe share a passion for hockey, for developing student athletes and for the great community of West Âé¶čAV and the greater Okanagan region,â said Murphy.
âThe Warriors have been a successful franchise in the best college-track Junior A league in the country and we intend to continue this tradition.â
READ MORE: West Âé¶čAV Warriors financial partner sues, ownership responds
READ MORE: West Âé¶čAV Warriors being sold back to BC Hockey League
Former owner Kim Dobranski had reached an agreement with the BCHL to sell the team back to the league in October. Murphy will act as the Warriorsâ Governor as Hume will act as a managing partner and will continue to operate the team out of Royal LePage Place in West Âé¶čAV.
Hume said that their goal is to create a development model of hockey that benefits the Warriors and the community.
âWe want to create a program that is second to none in terms of development,â he said.
âThis can start even before players reach the junior age and we want to be supporters of youth hockey in the region. Once here, our players will receive first-class training both on and off ice and will be put in an environment that prepares them for the next step in hockey and education.â
The change of ownership comes in after months of ongoing theatrics with the former ownership, which included multiple lawsuits involving Dobranski, former coaches and a former financial partner.
The BCHL said they look forward to the plan the new owners have shown the league for growing the franchise.
âThe ownership of Mr. Murphy and Mr. Hume is going to provide the city of West Âé¶čAVâs BCHL team with the resources it needs and ensure it continues as a pillar of the community,â said BCHL Commissioner Chris Hebb.
To report a typo, email:
newstips@kelownacapnews.com.
newstips@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on and follow us on .
