Jr. Trappers play in Espanola in support of NOJHL expansion

The North Bay Jr. Trappers seen here practicing in Espanola in mid January before their 3-game western road trip. The Trappers will be playing here again on Friday, February 8th against the Blind River Beavers.

In support of the future expansion of the NOJHL to 8 teams as early as the 2013-14 season, the North Bay Jr. ‘A’ Trappers have accepted the invitation to play a neutral site contest in Espanola on Friday, February 8th, with a game start of 7:30 pm.

The contest originally scheduled for Memorial Gardens on the 8th, will be played at the Espanola Recreation Complex against the Blind River Beavers.

The game kick’s off the Espanola Winter Carnival.

The community located less than an hour west of Sudbury, is hoping to secure its own NOJHL franchise in 2013 as the NOJHL considers expansion of the league to an even 8 teams for next season.

“This is a league first decision,” stated Trappers Chairman of the Board Tim Clayden about the move.

“Our organization is honoured to help the NOJHL and the Town of Espanola in their efforts to secure an NOJHL franchise, an 8 team NOJHL is good for the entire league and all NOJHL fans, including players, North Bay & all other communities within the league.

“We had the pleasure of practicing in this beautifully maintained facility last month combined with the inviting hospitality, the Espanola Recreation Complex make the Town of Espanola a perfect fit for the NOJHL. The Espanola community is hungry to have junior hockey return.”

North Bay Jr. Trappers season ticket holders are asked to hold on to their Blind River ticket.

Please show it to a Trappers staff member and season ticket holders will be given a free adult voucher to bring a guest and or a friend to any one of the remaining Trappers regular season home games.

All those who show their Blind River season ticket will also get a chance to win some exciting hockey prizes which the Jr. Trappers will reveal on Sunday afternoon as the Trappers return home Sunday to face the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners.

Puck drop is 2 pm at Memorial Gardens.

“We have tremendous respect for our loyal fans in North Bay and thank them for their understanding of this neutral site game to better serve all fans & NOJHL teams while promoting a very bright NOJHL future,” added Clayden.

“The Trappers remain committed to keeping an NOJHL franchise in North Bay next season while operating out of their new home at the West Ferris Arena.”