The Nanaimo Clippers are about to add a new key player to the ownership group.
The city's B.C. Hockey League club is in the process of bringing in a new part-owner who will take over the roles of team president and governor.
"We're close to making an announcement on a local partner that's going to come in for a percentage," said Ken Wagner, the team's current governor. "We've always looked for a local partner. We don't live there and the community should have a local owner there and that's what we've been lacking."
The BCHL's annual general meeting will be held in June and Wagner said he expects the Clippers' new governor will be in place by that time. He said there's no hesitancy on his part to give up the role.
"We've been looking for the right person for a long time and I think we've finally got one," he said.
Even with a new part-owner in the works, the Clippers are for sale and will remain for sale. However, Wagner said there hasn't been serious interest from potential buyers.
"Obviously if someone comes along and wants to buy the whole thing, then the partners will make a decision on it, but right now, this is to get a new person involved here to be the local guy."
Wagner feels the change will help the club move forward, and he likes the way the Clippers are going.
"We've had some success with the club the last couple of years; that helps with things…" he said. "Three or four years ago we hit the wall, but now we've rebuilt the program and recruiting has come back; we've got lots of kids that want to play in the program. We're happy. Extremely happy."
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
BREAKING: Nanaimo Clippers junior A hockey club close to announcing a new local part-owner who will become president and governor. #BCHL
— Greg Sakaki (@BulletinSports) May 6, 2016