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By Sam Bennison

Hockey

Is Quesnel big enough for two hockey teams?

Jan 30, 2024 | 2:24 PM

QUESNEL – Is Quesnel big enough for two hockey teams? At this time, it appears it’s not.

Over the past few weeks, the North Cariboo Joint Advisory Committee(NCJAC) has been in discussion about the creation of a potential junior hockey franchise in Quesnel.

The main issue comes down to the ability for the community to fund both a new junior hockey team, and the existing Quesnel Kangaroos. In a release the Kangaroos stated that the community funded organization requires $100,000 in sponsorships to properly run. However, the proponent of the potential junior hockey franchise, Rob McMillan, would want to split the sponsorships in the West Fraser Centre between both teams which they say is not enough for the Kangaroos to operate.

McMillan has stepped away from the table.

“We believe it is important that our community continues to support the Quesnel Kangaroos who have been embedded here since 1947,” said Co-Chair Director Jim Glassford of the North Cariboo Joint Advisory Committee. “Unfortunately, we were unable to come to a mutual agreement that would enable both teams to be viable.”

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The Kangaroos state that they believe that two teams in Quesnel can work together, and would love to see it, but that there needs to be more advertising opportunities in the Arena to provide enough funding for both teams.

“We remain open to hosting a junior hockey team in the West Fraser Centre alongside the Quesnel Kangaroos. Quesnel has done it before, and we know we will again in the future,” said Co-Chair Councillor Laurey-Anne Roodenburg.

The North Cariboo Joint Advisory Committee is comprised of City of Quesnel Council and four Northern Directors of the Cariboo Regional District. Its primary role is to facilitate recreation services provided through several community facilities including the Quesnel & District Arts and Recreation Centre, West Fraser Centre and Quesnel Arena, the Indoor Sports Centre, and several parks and trails.

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Email: sam.bennison@pattisonmedia.com