St. Onge responds to LOA Alouettes

Nipissing Alouettes owner Gerry St. Onge has responded publicly to the news that his Greater Metro Junior 'A' team plans to take a leave of absence for the upcoming 2009-2010 season.

St. Onge believes the sanctions by Hockey Canada have put him in this position.

"The Nipissing Alouettes of the Greater Metro Hockey League have decided to sit out the 2009-2010 season because of the sanctions imposed by Hockey Canada which limit the availability of players, coaches and volunteers," he said in an email to the media earlier this week.

"Instead of waiting until our main camp and the possibility of not being able to dress a full team because of the sanctions, we feel it is our responsibility to pull out now for this season, before the league draft and scheduling, and not lose respect from the players involved and the GMHL."

Alouettes players made news in that GMHL draft as four Nipissing players were taken in the first round of the 13-team draft.

Former Alouettes forward and North Bay native Dan Madigan was excited to get chosen in the top round by the 2009 GMHL champions from South Muskoka.

"It will be interesting to see what happens next season," said Madigan.

"It was kind of sad to see the Als fold after their best season yet, but hopefully they will be back next year."

St. Onge hopes all restrictions will be lifted by Hockey Canada - which has changed its stance recently by removing the 1-year suspension for players who participated in the GMHL this past season.

"After three seasons, the Als management feel it would be better to build on the 2010-2011 season, hoping that Hockey Canada will remove all sanctions," said St. Onge.

"Options for next season would be to continue like the previous years or register the team as a non-profit organization and raise money for local charities (ex: high school activities and local hospital) or putting the team up for sale. Sitting out this season will probably return the Als into a rebuilding situation after not participating in this year's draft and losing some players to free-agency but the sanctions from Hockey Canada puts the team in a difficult situation. I would like to thank our players, parents, staff, sponsors, the town of West Nipissing, the media and loyal fans for three exciting seasons of Junior A Hockey in West Nipissing. Hope to see you again next season."