The Independent

Following an historic season where the Sarnia Legionnaires did not earn a single point in 50 straight league games, the Greater Ontario Hockey League has reinstated the previous ownership group from 2024-25 which according to the Legionnaires website included Paul Hurtubise, Theo Bet, Cliff Smith and Terry Lilley.

Jon Periard was named general manager of the team last May and subsequently bought the team although an official announcement of the sale was never made by either the Legionnaires or the GOHL.

“Throughout this past season, the league worked in collaboration with the Sarnia organization to review operational matters involving the franchise. As with any responsible governance process, these matters required time and cooperation to ensure decisions were made in the best long-term interests of the team, its players, and the community,” said the league in a release posted on its website.

The league says it and the previous owners have worked together to guide the team through a transition that positions the organization for renewed stability and future success.

“Sometimes the right decisions take time,” said GOHL Commissioner Craig Spada. “By allowing the proper process to run its course, we have now positioned the Sarnia Legionnaires for stability and a strong future in the Greater Ontario Hockey League.”

Spada said the league will now work with local stakeholders to reestablish the operational structure of the organization and prepare for a strong return next season, including a rebuilding process designed to ensure the long-term health and competitiveness of the team.