Rocket/Islanders Up For Sale

As you’ve probably heard by know, the PEI Rocket/Islanders announced this morning that the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League franchise is indeed for sale.

All this was confirmed at a press conference this morning in Charlottetown. From The Guardian:

Sarge Savard Jr., president and governor of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League team, confirmed Wednesday the league has offered to buy the struggling franchise. 

And Serge Savard Jr., Rocket president and governor, said he's taking the money, somewhere around $3.5 million, unless he can find a local buyer or buyers for the team. 

The league contacted the Rocket on Monday with the proposal.

If a local buyer is not found by April 26, the team will then reportedly be heading to Sorel-Tracy, Quebec where it will be owned by a group featuring François Beauchemin, Marc-Andre Fleury, and Marc Denis.

The Rocket averaged 1,805 fans per game this season, third worst in the league. Savard said at today’s press conference that the team lost over $300,000 this past season.

It’s not really shocking to see the Rocket struggling financially. Since moving the Island in 2003, they have made it past the first-round of the playoffs just once. It’s probably for the best that the franchise finds a new owner(s) - but not many fans wanted it to go like this.

There are plenty of questions surrounding this thing, one of the big ones being what happens to the division alignment and schedule if moved. These aren’t fun times in the Maritimes.

It definitely has to hurt for Rocket fans. They are coming off one of their best seasons ever and were excited to see the transition to “Islanders” this summer. Now… this.