Future of Kootenay ICE in hands of residents, local business

CRANBROOK, B.C. – A prominent figure in Cranbrook’s business community says the Kootenay ICE’s future in the Key City rests in the hands of its residents.

Jason Wheeldon with Royal LePage East Kootenay Realty says junior hockey is a business and the team needs to see a return on their investment from the community.

“So there definitely is a lack of community support and we’re hoping the community is going to come down for it,” Wheeldon says. “Its not truly a question about the ICE leaving, the question should be to our community. Are we ready to support a WHL franchise?”

Wheeldon was among the speakers at last week’s Green Bay Committee meeting which focussed on a campaign to boost seasons ticket sales as well as a recent article from a Manitoba news outlet which suggested the team could be moving to Winnipeg.