After ElliotLakeToday reached out to Jef Jarmovitch, president and director of hockey operationss for the Elliot Lake Vikings, to address rumours that the team would not be playing any more games this season, he took to social media to address the rumours at about 9:30 a.m. today.
This came after the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League issued a media release saying the Vikings had been granted a leave of absence earlier in the morning.
In his post, Jarmovitch explained that the decision to take a leave of absence was made in a meeting with the league last night, saying he had chosen not to respond to rumours until he had confirmed information that he could share.
"With the recent City of EL arena announcement in regard to the Rogers Arena that it will not reopen this season, many of the players decided not to return after Xmas break," Jarmovitch said. "The number of players who planned on returning after the break was simply not enough to ice a team for the remainder of the season."
He went on to thank the team's supporters, its players and their families.
"Today is a sad day for the Vikings. I did everything I possibly could to keep the ship afloat.
"Even with the Financial losses and sleepless nights, I have no regrets of purchasing the team in July 2023 and trying to save Jr. A hockey in Elliot Lake."
Jarmovitch also said he would not be making any further comments about the announcement.
"At this time I have no idea what the future holds for the hockey club beyond this season," he added. "It all depends on the status of our arena."