WHL Approves Sale of Americans
Calgary, AB – The Tri-City Americans have new ownership as the current hockey season commences play. Previously, radio and newspaper personalities, and currently successful businessmen, Wayne Overland and Bob McCord will assume the mantle of the hockey club from Ron Toigo.
The WHL Board of Governors heard from Mr. Overland at a specially convened meeting in Calgary on September 12. The Board was suitably impressed by his strong business plan and commitment to the community, in order to gain conditional approval for the franchise’s ownership transfer.
The transaction was part of an ongoing process whereby, Mr. Toigo had been granted an expansion franchise for Vancouver, BC, conditional upon his sale of the Americans. With all requirements having been completed, the way is clear for the expansion team to begin play next season.
WHL Chairman of the Board, Bruce Hamilton commented: “The League is relieved that all requirements have been met to ensure the stability of the Tri-City Americans. The fans and sponsors have been extremely patient while all parties have diligently worked to achieve a solution necessary to preserve the tradition of hockey in the Tri-Cities area.”
Mr. Hamilton further stated: “We look forward to commencing play in Vancouver next season. The existence of a franchise in the lower mainland will significantly ease the travel burden for the other BC teams and increase regional rivalries”.
This decision will still require a short period of due diligence to be further pursued by WHL legal counsel. It is expected that all outstanding matters will be concluded within one week.