The Victoria Grizzlies Hockey Club is getting a new owner.
A deal was reached between the hockey club and West Shore businessman Jim Hartshorne to acquire majority ownership on June 1, according to an April 2 news release.
Hartshorne, an experienced figure in Victoria sports, owns and governs the Victoria Shamrocks in the Western Lacrosse Association and was a former owner of the Victoria Cougars in the Western Hockey League.
“It will be great to see Grizzlies games full of excited and enthusiastic fans, the same way our Shamrocks games have been for years,” Hartshorne said.
Former owner Ron Walchuk will stay around.
“Under Ron’s leadership, this club achieved remarkable milestones, and I am grateful for the solid foundation he has laid,” Hartshorne said.
Walchuk is excited about the future and looks forward to seeing Hartshorne’s passion benefit the team.
“I’m excited to continue to be a part of the team and witness its continued success and growth, “said Walchuk
The move will give the Shamrocks and the Grizzlies a shared home arena on the West Shore, the Q Centre.
“We’re excited to build on the strong on-ice product the Grizzlies have delivered over the years,” he said.
The Grizzlies are preparing for the first-round BCHL playoffs, in which they will take on the Nanaimo Clippers.
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