Lakers Sale Pending, Financial Backer Unknown

The pending “sale” of the Wallaceburg Lakers is generating a lot of buzz among local hockey circles.

Although details remain limited, discussion is rampant, with an unknown backer(s) at the forefront. Some local discussion (and unconfirmed reports) suggest an individual or group led by an Essex-area business person to be behind the accepted offer.

Lakers president Jim McCrea told 99.1 CKXS the pending sale shouldn’t be met with fear or skepticism. McCrea says the current board will remain in place and the decision making process will remain the same. McCrea and the executive believe the deal will create a return to better times on and off the ice for the Lakers organization.

More details will be released once the deal is finalized. McCrea says that could take a couple of weeks.

Here’s what we know:

• The Lakers have indeed accepted an offer to take on a financial backer of the Jr C team
• The executive board voted unanimously to accept this offer
• Team president Jim McCrea told 99.1 CKXS the new group has agreed to pay off all past debts and infuse a great deal of money into the club
• McCrea says he and his executive will continue to do what is needed to keep the team in Wallaceburg
• The current “deal” includes a clause for the Lakers to remain in Wallaceburg for at least ten years
• The deal is pending league approval

INITIAL STORY – WALLACEBURG LAKERS SOLD?