The sale of the Niagara IceDogs has been unanimously approved by the OHL’s board of governors, transferring ownership from Bill and Denise Burke to a group that includes Wayne Gretzky. The majority owner will be Darren DeDobbelaer, a long-time minor hockey executive that also owns OJHL and GOJHL clubs in Brantford.
Gretzky (also from Brantford, a city about an hour west of St. Catharines, where the IceDogs play) released the following statement:
I’m really excited about being back in junior hockey and have always loved it. To be partnered with a fellow friend from Brantford is so exciting for all of us and we can’t wait to get started.
The sale follows 15 years of ownership by the Burkes but also serious suspensions handed out in April to general manager Joey Burke and head coach Billy Burke, for inappropriate comments made in a group messaging conversation. The two were banned from the league until June 1, 2024, when they could apply for reinstatement. Niagara was also fined $150,000 for the incident.
The IceDogs have experienced two losing seasons in a row (sandwiched around the canceled 2020-21 campaign) but have some promising young players that could help turn things around in the next few years.
Brantford is east of St Catherine’s
An hour east of St. Cats, uhh? That would place Brantford in Orleans County, NY, USA.
Your map is upside down