Town of Edson Administration/Junior Hockey Decision

For Immediate Release

July 19, 2021

To say that the last year and a half has been challenging would be an understatement. 

On or about May 21, 2021, as we were preparing to return to play for the 2021-22 season the Town of Edson’s elected officials and Administration requested that we, along with other potential Junior hockey organizations, submit a business proposal to determine which organization would secure an exclusive lease of Centennial Arena at Repsol Place. 

The Edson Aeros organization had a current lease in place and we had been in discussion with Arena management about a new lease for quite some time prior to the expiration date of our current lease. 

Although we had a lease in place, we complied and submitted a comprehensive business proposal to the Town of Edson. At the time we were advised that two other groups had also submitted a business plan as well. 

On July 15, 2021, we received a letter from the Town of Edson advising that they have decided not to offer an exclusive use of the facility to any particular team that participated in the business proposal process. Furthermore, any team/user group would be allowed to book ice for usage under normal booking procedure in accordance with the Town’s standard terms and conditions. 

We were also advised that Town would not be providing any other concessions (ie; office usage, exclusive dressing room, advertising, etc) to the user group beyond the booking of ice time at established adult rates. 

We feel that the Edson Aeros have been good tenants and we had complied with our existing lease terms and conditions without incident. Furthermore, ice rental costs have been paid in a timely manner and we have no outstanding debts to the Town of Edson for the use of the facility. In addition, we had also provided notice to the Town of Edson that we wish to renew our lease on a year to year basis as per our existing lease’s terms and conditions. 

It is unfortunate that we find ourselves in this position; debating the merits of the Edson Aeros Junior A hockey team, and its survival.  Advancing a Junior hockey team, post-pandemic, is and will continue to be a challenge. Add to the challenge of competing with another Junior hockey team(s) in the community for billet family allocation, sponsorships/donations/advertising and gate attendance, the Edson Aeros have made the decision not to continue operations in the town of Edson. 

We would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to all the individuals, companies and non-profit groups that have supported us over the two seasons of play. We appreciate your support and wish you all well in the future.