The sa国际传媒 Hockey League's Nanaimo Clippers acknowledged their need for a strong local voice Friday, as they added Hadi Abassi to their ownership group.
Abassi, the president of Atlas Group, which owns and operates several area sports teams and businesses, aims to fill that void.
Abassi joins a group that includes team governor Ken Wagner, Bill Gallacher, Paul Colborne, David Moir and CBC Hockey Night in sa国际传媒 analyst and former NHL goalie Kelly Hrudey. Wagner would not comment on the size of the stake Abassi was purchasing in the team at a press conference at the Clippers head office at Beban House.
The addition of Abassi comes at an important time for the Junior A hockey club.
His main focus will be making sure the inaugural Crescent Point Energy Western sa国际传媒 Cup is a success.
The Clippers have had some difficulty selling the WCC locally and have struggled to stir the fan base, despite a strong start to the season.
Abassi said he is excited about the opportunity to add to his sports interests and to play a role in the city's marquee franchise. He is hoping the rest of the community buys in as well.
"For so many years, people in Nanaimo have said there is no local representation ... and they have made this ownership group wrong for being from out of Nanaimo," said Abassi. "I want to thank them for buying the Clippers, financing them and subsidizing them every year so they can operate in the City of Nanaimo and giving us a team to go watch."
The Clippers are celebrating their 40th anniversary this season and a big part of those celebrations is the WCC, which runs from March 25 to April 6.
It will decide which two clubs will advance to the national Royal Bank Cup championship.
