NEWS RELEASE
NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
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The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Board of Directors announced Tuesday that they have granted the Elliot Lake Vikings a Leave of Absence effective immediately, for the remainder of the 2024-25 season due to extenuating circumstances resulting from the ongoing closure of Rogers Arena, formerly Centennial Arena in Elliot Lake.
With the venue remaining shuttered and unavailable for use, the Vikings have not practiced, or played,at home for a second consecutive season making it extremely difficult in terms of finances, including incurring additional travel costs, along with the inability to skate and compete on home ice.
As well, the burden placed on the players and staff had a detrimental effect on the entire organization and played a pivotal role in this decision being made.
“It was originally scheduled for the arena to be open and operational for all users, including the Vikings, in time for the start of the 2024-25 season,” stated NOJHL commissioner Robert Mazzuca.
"However, due to no fault of their own, the extended delays and the recent announcement by Elliot Lake city staff that the venue would remain closed indefinitely, a difficult choice had to be made,” provided Mazzuca.
“The entire NOJHL commends Elliot Lake team president Jef Jarmovitch and the entire organization, especially the players, who had aimed to persevere with the hopes of getting back in their venue and compete at home this season,” summarized the commissioner.
“We look to welcome them back to the league once it becomes feasible to do so.”
With the announcement the following will take place:
• The remaining regular season games involving the Vikings will not be played, with the opposing teams being credited with 1-0 victories, and given two points in the standings.
• Every effort is being made to find new teams for the players to join and compete with for the remainder of the campaign, via the transfer of their playing rights, or other available transactions, prior to the NOJHL/Canadian Junior Hockey League roster deadlines.
• All player and goaltender statistics to this point will remain intact and credited to them.
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