The Sarnia Legionnaires are under new ownership following a disastrous season where they failed to win a single game. The Junior B hockey team is now back in the hands of a previous ownership group after finishing the season with a record of 0-50 without earning any points.
Jonathan Periard, the former owner and general manager, has stepped down after just one season. The ownership cluster consisting of Theo Bet, Paul Hurtubise, Cliff Smith, and Terry Lilley, who previously led the organization, has now taken over again.
Chris Spada, the commissioner of the Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL), declined to provide specific details regarding Periard’s departure, stating it was a decision made collectively by the previous and current ownership groups. The league commissioner emphasized that the return of the previous owners is motivated by their dedication to the team’s success.
The Legionnaires ended their winless season with an 8-2 loss in Elmira, resulting in a staggering goal differential of minus-258. Spada mentioned that the returning owners had previously stepped away but have reengaged due to their passion for the team and its success.
Spada expressed confidence in the ownership change, believing it is in the best interest of the GOHL. Despite the team’s poor performance on the ice, the commissioner noted that strong attendance figures continued throughout the challenging season at Sarnia’s Pat Stapleton Arena.
Efforts to reach out to Jonathan Periard for comment have been unsuccessful. Spada highlighted that the change in ownership occurred because the obligations of the new purchaser were not met, leading to the reversion to the original ownership group.
The team’s inability to secure any points this season marks a historic low in the league since its establishment in 2007. Spada clarified that the poor on-ice performance cannot be attributed to the previous ownership.
Throughout the tumultuous season, the Legionnaires maintained significant fan support, with consistent attendance at the Pat Stapleton Arena.