THUNDER BAY – Lakehead University will now have greater say over the operational control of the Thunderwolves hockey program.
The team had most recently been run as a not-for-profit organization, after starting in 2001 as a for-profit venture with public sector investors owning stakes in the club.
However, LU athletic director Tom Warden said fans likely won’t notice much of a change on or off the ice.
“We’re sort of moving into the next level, where the university is a little bit more involved, but essentially we’re still working with our community and still using the expertise of our community,” Warden said.
“Without the corporate support, we don’t have a hockey program. I just think it’s the next step in what has become a developing business. And in business, as at the university level and at the corporate level, if you don’t stay up with trends and you don’t make changes, you’re not around.”
Warden said the board of directors had throughout its existence consulted with the university on all matters, including the hiring of coaches.
Academic matters have always been the purview of Warden and the athletics department.
“There’s never been any sole propriety over any area of decision-making. I think this just creates stability and it’s the next step in what has been a very successful program for a lot of years,” Warden said.
“People who have grown accustomed to watching hockey at Fort William Gardens, it will continue.”
Warden said the move was made to ensure the responsibilities for running the team were shared more.
“Everybody on either side of the equation, that’s the private sector and the university, agreed on that and that’s how we’re moving forward,” Warden said. “There will be zero change in the operation. We’re still going to continue to consult with our private sector to ensure all decisions are made correctly.”
The Thunderwolves open pre-season play next Friday at Fort William Gardens when they host the Lethbridge Pronghorns, coached by Thunder Bay’s own Murray Nystrom.
