Newfoundland Growlers in danger of folding tie due to bankruptcy

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Julien Trekker
March 27, 2024 (3:54 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs' ECHL affiliate, the Newfoundland Growlers is officially in danger of folding tie due to bankruptcy.

That fate could also happen to the Trois-Rivières Lions, the Montreal Canadiens' affiliate of the same league.

Two ECHL teams, the Newfoundland Growlers and the Trois-Rivières Lions, affiliate to the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens, to relocate before April 2nd?

In a new update, we learned that both the Newfoundland Growlers and the Trois-Rivières Lions, in the ECHL, could be forced to relocate because of bankruptcy.

According to Puck Empire, the ownership group Deacon Sports and Entertainment, is near bankruptcy owes more than $600K to the city of Trois-Rivières.

It was also reported that the DSE has until April 2nd to sell both teams, or the League will get the rights to the two teams.

"Awful news for Canadian hockey, as they are likely losing two more professional hockey teams � the Newfoundland Growlers and Trois-Rivieres Lions � both in the ECHL � due to bankruptcy.

The clubs, which are the second-tier affiliates of the Maple Leafs and the Canadiens, respectively, are majority-owned by Deacon Sports and Entertainment, which is nearing bankruptcy and owes the city of Trois-Rivière more than $600K.

They are at risk of folding before the 2023-24 season is even finished.

The ECHL has set a deadline for DSE to sell the clubs by April 2. However, the sale of both franchises is unexpected to happen in time. The ECHL's board of governors, led by commissioner Ryan Crelin, will meet Tuesday to decide whether to allow them to play out the season. Regardless, the league will absorb ownership of the two franchises after the April 2 deadline."