The owner of the Espanola Rivermen has issued a release after Town Council terminated the current hockey contract. Tim Clayden says council wants to renegotiate the deal and wants a go forward plan involving the CIHL. The league ran into trouble this year when all the Southern Ontario teams quit. But Clayden says seven teams are lined up to play next season including three from the north and four Michigan teams. And work is underway to secure a team in Blind River. Clayden says he wants the Rivermen to stay in Espanola adding the team has built a strong relationship with many area non-profit groups. He adds all contract obligations by the team have been honoured. The town council decision to terminate the contract was almost unanimous, with only Ray Dufour voting against the idea.
