Wolves set to take over downtown arena operations

Sudbury's downtown arena is set to become Wolves territory.

City council decided to hand over management of the facility to the Sudbury Wolves Hockey Club, owned by entrepreneur Dario Zulich. The deal will go through as long as the club clarifies details with city staff over the summer. Then, council will finalize the agreement in August.

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According to city documents, the club is currently responsible for cleaning and minor maintenance of places like the dressing room, concessions and offices. The hockey organization has other responsibilities including all expenses related to hockey operations and concession staffing costs.

Once this deal goes through, however, the OHL organization will have full managerial control over the Sudbury Community Arena.

Professionalism needed for popcorn?

The 10-3 vote to change the city's agreement with the Wolves didn't come easily.

Coun. Mark Signoretti initially called for a deferral, but that was defeated.

Councillors then debated for almost two hours, bringing up concerns like the club's track record with big operations.

"This company shows no whatsoever experience of ever running a popcorn stand, a chip stand, promoting events or anything," said Coun. Gerry Montpellier.

Coun. Mark Signoretti agreed.

"Just because you take over a hockey team doesn't mean you have the experience to operate events," he said.

But many councillors, like Lynne Reynolds, mentioned the Wolves' current work of operating, marketing and advertising for their games surpasses the responsibilities they're asking to take on.

"There's no great level of professionalism to pop popcorn and make hot dogs," she said, as the gallery booed. "What we want to do is have a better experience for the user."

Savings make for a 'darn good deal'

The hockey organization estimates this deal will result in an annual operational savings of $270,741, which would reduce the 2018 municipal budget by $115,289. 

This was a "darn good deal," according to Coun. Michael Vagnini.

"When we look at it, we're getting paid to allow them to come in and take this over," Vagnini said.

Most councillors say they haven't seen the city's existing agreement with the Wolves. This adds to the uncertainty of the entire vote.

Mayor Brian Bigger initially voted to defer the decision given the fact that council is set to decide where a new event centre should go next week.

"That has a significant impact on how the arena would be operated or should be operated in its final two years," said Bigger. "And a very significant impact on the amount of cost or revenues that we might be able to generate there."

In a statement released Tuesday night, Sudbury Wolves Sports and Entertainment, the parent company of the Sudbury Wolves Hockey Club, said it was pleased to receive the news. Representatives say they look forward to working productively with city staff to complete the details.