OHL’s Otters Headed to Chatham-Kent?

Weeks after the rumour mill seemed to run dry regarding the possible relocation of an OHL franchise to Chatham-Kent, it appears things are heating up again.

A source close to the Chatham-Kent Sports Network is stating a deal has been completed involving a prominent local businessman to purchase the OHL’s Erie Otters.

Erie was slated to meet with the organization that operates their arena Friday to work on a new lease, however discussions were postponed for the second time in a week.

The source says the announcement will be made in the coming weeks, likely following the Memorial Cup.

These rumours however, mirror those swirling in Hamilton. Similar, to Chatham-Kent Council’s examination of the feasibility of bringing at team to the region, Hamilton’s City Council is also undergoing a review of their plan, and a “mystery owner’s” plan to bring a team to the city. Hamilton had an OHL team in 1991, the Dukes, who later moved to Guelph.

The Erie Otters feature Chatham-Kent product Dane Fox, and also drafted Fox’s younger brother, Trent, in the most recent OHL Priority Draft.

CKSN has put in calls to verify the claims that an OHL deal is done for the Municipality.