Mattawa Blackhawks moving to Iroquois Falls

As the Abitibi Eskimos clean out their stalls for the final time this year, it’s been learned a new Junior “A” franchise will fill the void at the Jus Jordan Arena.

Iroquois Falls town council gave their support for the Mattawa Blackhawks to move north, starting in the 2015-16 NOJHL season.

Mayor Michael Shea says town hall was “full to the rim” with residents, who heard from TPA Sports President/CEO Allan Donnan.

“The new potential buyer (TPA Sports) for the team here is excited, as is the rest of the community,” Shea said.

The Blackhawks have seen a little turnover in the last few years.  They came into existence as the North Bay Trappers in 2013-14, after the former Trappers moved to Espanola following an NOJHL Championship season in 2012-13.

The Trappers moved their games to Mattawa in the midst of their first season, and became the Blackhawks in the summer of 2014.

TPA came aboard earlier this season, taking over for former owner David Beauchamp.

Shea says the new team — which will be known as the Iroquois Falls Eskimos —- will have a new, modern look.

“It’s going to be reinvented to adapt to the look of the 21st century,” he said.

He says Donnan was impressed by the look of the Jus Jordan Arena, and astounded by the services the arena has to offer.

TPA Sports also owns the Bracebridge Blues, North York Renegades, Rama Aces and Toronto Attack, all playing in the Greater Metro Junior “A” Hockey League.