Newfoundland Growlers’ ECHL Membership Terminated Mid-Season

The ECHL recently made the decision to terminate the membership of the Newfoundland Growlers mid-season due to the team’s failure to meet obligations under the ECHL Bylaws. This development marks the second time that a Toronto Maple Leafs affiliated minor league team has withdrawn from Newfoundland.

According to a statement released by the Growlers, the team’s owners, Deacon Sports and Entertainment, were unable to finalize a sale of the franchise before the league-mandated deadline of April 2. As a result, the ECHL board of governors approved the continuation of the Trois-Rivières Lions, also owned by Deacon, for the remainder of the season.

In acknowledgment of the challenges faced, the Growlers expressed gratitude to their loyal fans, sponsors, partners, and staff, as well as the players who represented the team. The team highlighted the unwavering support they received, which contributed significantly to their on-ice performance.

Ryan Crelin, the ECHL commissioner, expressed sadness over the loss of ECHL hockey in the Newfoundland market. He extended thanks to the Growlers’ fans and partners for their support over the years and expressed hope for the return of hockey to the region to cater to the passionate fan base.

With the termination of the Growlers’ membership, players with ECHL contracts are set to become unrestricted free agents. However, players with AHL contracts will not be able to complete the season in the ECHL. The statement from the Growlers indicated that refunds for the three remaining home games will be automatically processed by the box office at the Mary Brown's Centre.