Renfrew Wolves owner Carl Robillard (MBC News File Photo)
The Renfrew Wolves are officially under new ownership.
Incoming owner and general manager Carl Robillard recently finalized a deal to purchase the Central Canada Hockey League franchise from Jim and Natalie Seyers.
Robillard brings two decades of experience with him as a coach, scout, and general manager, most recently a four-year stint with the CCHL champion Rockland Nationals.
He and a business partner had been discussing getting involved with buying a team for themselves over the last few months. Renfrew stood out among the available options thanks to the surrounding community, the facilities at the myFM Centre, and the opportunity to also acquire the Junior B Timberwolves.
The purchase comes at a time where the franchise is in good shape, according to Robillard, who credits the Seyers and the previous coaching staff for building a great culture around a group of hardworking players to bring the Wolves back into the playoffs last year.
However, changes have been made in order to take the next step into contention; a new coaching staff has been hired, and a flurry of trades have been made as the Wolves put an emphasis on playmaking and puck possession to address last season’s goal-scoring struggles.
Robillard says the goal is to turn the Wolves into a championship-calibre team, and he expects the moves made in the offseason will leave them with a very good team on day one.
Plans are also in place to turn the Junior B Timberwolves into a true developmental program for the Wolves, with the franchise’s future stars getting the experience they need to take the next step.
Renfrew can meet some of the new-look Wolves at their upcoming golf tournament, which will happen at the same time as the team’s main training camp in late August or early September.
(written by Kasey Egan)
