North Bay Skyhawks ready to say good-bye?

After 7 seasons the North Bay Skyhawks will end their stay at Memorial Gardens as they were unable to reach an agreement with Nipissing University, who will become the primary tenant in the Gardens starting in 2009-10 season.

Skyhawks GM Guy Blanchard is disappointed but not surprised at the result.

"We did everything we could to try and drop our budget and make it work," said Blanchard.

Blanchard went on to add that the stumbling block is marketing dollars - sponsorships are the key to success of any hockey franchise and there is not enough marketing dollars for two teams.

When Blanchard was asked about the possibility of moving the Skyhawks to another city he replied with a very sharp: "No, that is not an option."

The team still holds the rights to a NOJHL team in the Gateway City.

"We'll wait it out," stated Blanchard.

The potential of the Skyhawks returning is possible should the Nip U team be unsuccessful.

The Skyhawks are not changing the strategy for next year although Blanchard said they will likely sign older players than in past years .

"We're going to try to win the league just like we have every year, maybe even a little harder this year," insisted Blanchard.

The Skyhawks GM will meet with the league this weekend in Sudbury and expects to hear their thoughts on the fate of the franchise at that time.

Royal Backlash

The news takes some momentum out of the new NOJHL franchise based in Temiscaming that officially became part of the NOJHL during a press conference in the Quebec-Ontario border town on July 2nd.

Royals co-owner, coach & general manager Steve McCharles is disappointed that the University and the Skyhawks couldn't meet halfway.

However, he doesn't blame his newest NOJHL rivals.

"Having looked forward to the rivalry from a business and a sports standpoint I find it difficult as a co-owner of the Temiscaming Royals to envision the NOJHL without a North Bay franchise," said Royals coach, G.M. and co-owner Steve McCharles in an interview Wednesday night.

"I find it difficult to accept from an outsiders perspective, that those involved in the University program would have an interest in forcing the Skyhawks out of North Bay."