Friday, May 16, 2014

IHHL: New Owner Announcment

Coming on the heels of the Yahoo! partnership announcement, the IHHL has announced that it has secured a new owner for the Richmond Prexies. Mr. Jason Hawthorne Petty, a railroad baron/magnet from Maine, will be taking over and moving the Prexies from Richmond to Harpswell, Maine.

In moving the team to Maine, Mr. Petty and the IHHL appear to be paying homage to that revered franchise, the Portland Mariners. This move has more than a touch of history about it and is almost a homecoming for fans in the New England. There has not been in a team in Maine since the tragedy that befell the Portland Mainers.

At the announcement press conference, Mr. Petty talked about the history of the Prexies and what it meant to be able to bring a team to Maine. 
“I have been a longtime fan and supporter of the IHHL and it was heartbreaking to watch the tragedy unfold surrounding the Richmond Prexies this season. Sid and the other players played their heart out, but with so much drama off the ice, there was no real way for them to stay focused.

When [IHHL Co-Commissioner] Scott [Hall] approached me about the chance to help out the league and this great team, I jumped at the opportunity. In bringing the Prexies to Maine, we get a chance to bring hockey home to the birthplace of one of the IHHL’s great teams!”
Mr. Petty and the IHHL, out of respect for the Portland Mariner’s history, have announced that the team will be relocating to Harpswell, Maine, and changing their names to the Harpswell Mayors.

When asked about the parallels between the Mariners and new ownership, Commissioner Heilmann said, “There is no way that this move could be better for our fans and supporters. Mr. Petty has a strong appreciation for the sport and respect for the history the league. His plans for the Harpswell Mayors will pay homage to the Portland Mariners and help engage our already active fans. This is going to be a great partnership!”

In taking over the Prexies, Mr. Petty is inheriting a strong team and worthy successor to the Portland Mariners. Many in the IHHL believe that, were it not for the tragedy that befell the previous owner, the Prexies would have been a strong contender for the Ice Cup. We here at Game Misconduct look forward to learning more about Mr. Petty’s plans for the team and wish him success in the season ahead.

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