Silverkings can season

BLACKS HARBOUR – Mike MacQuarrie was named General Manager/Owner of the Blacks Harbour Silverkings for the second time around recently but he will be doing little managing this year as the Silverkings have asked for a year’s leave of absence from the Southern Hockey League.
MacQuarrie, who was the original owner of the team, took the reigns for the 2008 – 2009 season after what was one of the Silverkings’ best years, finishing the 2007 – 2008 season in second place with a record of 20-3-1. They were also second in both goals scored with 193 and fewest goals allowed with 94, and first in penalty minutes with 1,017. But when MacQuarrie went to the Southern Hockey League’s Annual General Meeting he found the entire process to be rushed and was left with many disconcerting issues.
“We had issues with the way certain teams have been run, just as other teams around the league have had issues with us,” said MacQuarrie.
“We also had issues in regards to the discipline committee.”
MacQuarrie, who stated he felt uncomfortable at the meeting, reiterated that all conversations seemed rushed and there was little room for discussion.
“We actually abstained from voting when it became time because we weren’t prepared,” said MacQuarrie.
Sheldon Currie, president of the Southern Hockey League, was surprised to see the Silverkings put in a request for leave after receiving and accepting a request from the River Valley Rock a few weeks ago.
“The Blacks Harbour Silverkings, under a new management team, attended our most recent meetings and regrettably advised the SHL on Sept. 24, 2008, I quote, ‘We are not willing to play for second place, and that’s what it would be if the league allows the rules and draft to stand.’
“In defense of this position, the new management team came on board basically after the original AGM was held and the constitution was as the ratification stage,” said Currie.
With the Silverkings and the Rock taking the year off, and rumours of the recently-moved Saint John Thrashers considering the same, it would come as a major blow to a league that just partnered with Bud Light as a major sponsor if a third team decided to follow suit. Only four teams would be left in the league and surely the impact would be felt by not only the sponsors, but the fans.
“The former Grand Lake Thrashers committed to participating this season and a communication from one of the owners on Sept. 24 indicated they may make the same request. I have since spoken to the majority owner of the team and he intends to work on existing owners, explore new partnerships, and operate the team,” said Currie.
“Fans will be greatly hurt,” said MacQuarrie, speaking about the Silverkings missing the season.
“I believe we have the best fans in the whole league. We have a loyal following in Blacks Harbour and even at away games we would have fans show up. I know the fans will understand our decision though.”
The Southern Hockey League will hold its annual draft on Oct. 10 in Nackawic and all players from teams taking a leave of absence will be available in the draft for the league’s remaining teams. Upon resuming play next season, those players selected in the draft this year would be reverted back to their former teams.