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Junior 'A' hockey franchise eyes Squamish for new home

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The home of the Chief could end up being the home of the Chiefs as well.

Squamish is second in line to inherit Junior 'A' hockey team the Chilliwack Chiefs, and Squamish council says it wants to make it happen.

The Chiefs co-owner Moray Keith is currently trying to sell Abbotsford city council on a joint venture to build a $20-million, 3,700-seat facility, but councillors said other projects, including an art gallery and museum, are more important. Keith is targeting a July 1 agreement, and if that falls through, Squamish would be next in line.

Mayor Ian Sutherland said the District of Squamish has already discussed adopting the franchise, and although it's difficult to say whether voters' rejection in February of a referendum to borrow $20 million for new community amenities, including a second sheet of ice, hindered that process, council is still interested in finding a way to make it work.

"It's hard to say, if that [community approval] would have moved it along a little bit faster, but we're still interested in Chilliwack having the Junior 'A' team here."

"They're still interested in having the Junior 'A' team here and we'll just have to see what we can work out over the next couple of years," said Sutherland. "But the key to all that is getting a new arena with more seating."

There were reports that possible 2010 Winter Olympic funding could lure the franchise to Squamish, but Sutherland could not confirm that 2010 funding was on its way. "Nothing has been really talked about in any detail," he said. "We're obviously very interested in any benefits that may happen because of 2010, obviously an arena might be one of them. But right now they're just very general discussions talking about what Squamish can do to benefit 2010 and what 2010 can do to benefit Squamish."

The Chilliwack Chiefs must vacate their current home, the Prospera Centre, by September 2006 to make room for the Western Hockey League expansion franchise the Chilliwack Bruins, and Keith is vocal about his preference for the future of the team.

But Coun. Jeff Dawson voices the popular opinion that his hometown is ideal.

"Just think, it's a natural fit," said Dawson. "It's a growing community much like Chilliwack was a few years ago when they got the franchise and we just think it's the perfect fit."

spaillard@squamishchief.com

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