Concerns Over Niagara IceDogs Ownership

Wasn't the Hamilton family also considered somewhere in the mix as well? Dougie, Freddie & their parents would respect the OHL & the franchise as well as anyone!
I heard they were the other group competing with DDD back when he bought the team not sure how accurate that is though
 
How many OHL Teams net $500k in profit per year? Not many, if any. If 5% was the number, then teams really wouldn’t be worth even $10mil.
I would Love to know what the Knights generate (profit) annually. Ticket prices are not far off what a lot of NHL Teams charge. They sellout virtually every game. But even at 9000 seats and then to top it off the product is virtually free? Throw in the fact that they are always a virtual lock for Round 2 or deeper every year in the playoffs.
Totally get that the Knights are by no means the typical average CHL Team but I’ve always marvelled at what they must make in a season and it’s almost a guarantee for them. And people wonder why they don’t jump at a chance to go to the NHL to coach or manage?
 
Ticket revenue before taxes and surcharges etc hovers around $5mil annually. Sponsorships probably doubles that to $10mil revenue plus playoff revenue.

I understand what you are saying but both of the Hunters are respected enough that they’d likely earn around $5mil in salary each annually at the NHL level. I am not sure they are doing better financially with the Knights than they would be doing at the NHL level. But, I am sure there is less pressure and hassle. They control their own castle and don’t have to answer to anyone. I think that peace of mind is probably worth the reduction in compensation.
 
1743705767607.png


Thats the last publicly released info i can find on OHL operations and its from 2016
 
View attachment 1005530

Thats the last publicly released info i can find on OHL operations and its from 2016
Is that from that TSN article about a lawsuit? I remember there being a bit of weirdness with Kingston because there was the Kingston Frontenacs Hockey Club, but then also a separate entity called Kingston Frontenacs Limited or something along those lines.

I always thought that was a little sketchy because I don't see any way Kingston is the second most profitable team, especially with the lowest revenue.
 
I would Love to know what the Knights generate (profit) annually. Ticket prices are not far off what a lot of NHL Teams charge. They sellout virtually every game. But even at 9000 seats and then to top it off the product is virtually free? Throw in the fact that they are always a virtual lock for Round 2 or deeper every year in the playoffs.
Totally get that the Knights are by no means the typical average CHL Team but I’ve always marvelled at what they must make in a season and it’s almost a guarantee for them. And people wonder why they don’t jump at a chance to go to the NHL to coach or manage?
What NHL team charges $25/game for a season ticket?
 
Here we go again , suprised on Boudreau thought he was a bright spot but I don’t know what goes on behind the scenes , know he let a player go and the team did poorly after that
 
DD is essentially out as owner as he is no longer involved in the day to day operations.

Niagara IceDogs Announce Organizational Changes​

NIAGARA, ON – May 7th, 2025 — The Niagara IceDogs today announced a series of organizational changes following the completion of a comprehensive review led by the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

As part of these changes, Owner and Governor Darren DeDobbelaer will step back from the day-to-day operations of both the hockey and business sides of the organization. Current General Manager Wes Consorti will transition to a new role serving as the executive liaison between Mr. DeDobbelaer and the club’s operational leadership.

Additionally, Head Coach Ben Boudreau has been relieved of his duties. The contracts of Assistant Coaches Dan Paille and Marc Slawson will not be renewed.

“I’m incredibly proud to own the Niagara IceDogs and be able to have this great franchise compete in the Ontario Hockey League,” said Darren DeDobbelaer. “While this season brought several challenges, our focus remains on building a positive and stable environment for our players, staff, and fans. These changes are part of our commitment to ensuring long-term success both on and off the ice. We sincerely thank Coach Boudreau, Dan Paille, and Marc Slawson for their dedication and for helping guide the team to its first playoff appearance since 2019.”

In collaboration with the OHL, the IceDogs will immediately begin the search for a new General Manager and coaching staff to lead the organization into its next chapter. Wes Consorti will remain the team’s interim General Manager until a new General Manager is appointed.
 
the did the same thing with the guy in flint and it ended up being decent after some time, well see. i still think he sells the team
Once his kid was gone and they had some success with a trip the the western conference finals I think it clicked for Rolf. Just provide the money and let the hockey people do what they need to do. Like they aren't a powerhouse but at least Flint is stable/not a joke anymore. DD doesn't seem like the type to keep his hands off.
 
Once his kid was gone and they had some success with a trip the the western conference finals I think it clicked for Rolf. Just provide the money and let the hockey people do what they need to do. Like they aren't a powerhouse but at least Flint is stable/not a joke anymore. DD doesn't seem like the type to keep his hands off.

100% this.
 
Once his kid was gone and they had some success with a trip the the western conference finals I think it clicked for Rolf. Just provide the money and let the hockey people do what they need to do. Like they aren't a powerhouse but at least Flint is stable/not a joke anymore. DD doesn't seem like the type to keep his hands off.
He’s not the type to keep his hands off and probably doesn’t have the money Rolf does ( I think he’s made that clear the way things have been run under him) I’m a bit surprised we haven’t seen anything official come from the league yet since the team already said something
 
the did the same thing with the guy in flint and it ended up being decent after some time, well see. i still think he sells the team
I hope you’re right on the selling point I just don’t have that faith in DD realizing that’s what’s best for everyone which is why I think the league has to kinda force him out or we’ll be back in this same situation IMO if this is like flint. I don’t think DD is like that owner his problem was he wanted to help his kid once that ended he seemed ok I can’t see DD EVER not being a cheap dummy. I’m a bit surprised the league still hasn’t made some sort of statement about sanctions and the fact they’re running things now
 
  • Like
Reactions: bigsportsfan
I hope you’re right on the selling point I just don’t have that faith in DD realizing that’s what’s best for everyone which is why I think the league has to kinda force him out or we’ll be back in this same situation IMO if this is like flint. I don’t think DD is like that owner his problem was he wanted to help his kid once that ended he seemed ok I can’t see DD EVER not being a cheap dummy. I’m a bit surprised the league still hasn’t made some sort of statement about sanctions and the fact they’re running things now

i honestly dont think that he will be owning the team anyways, i think someone will offer him a big chunk of coin, local.

and i believe that the ohl is in total control of the organization and all moves moving forward have to be aprroved by them.

regarding the cocah, i nkow of 3 incidents that individually would have broken the standard clauses of the 'good person' clause in most coaches contracts. if you do that, the team doesnt have to pay you, at least thats how the wording and clause is written.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dogs777
Did I read this right. Kingston brought in second most profit and fewest amount of revenue
Take the KPMG numbers with a very big grain of salt. Devil is often in the hidden details.

Forensic auditor Ronald Smith thoroughly reviewed the KPMG report the league paid for.
In terms of the Kingston Frontenacs, Smith notes that there are actually two entities — Kingston Frontenac Hockey Limited (“the team”) and Kingston Frontenac Limited Partnership (KFLP).

To quote Smith: “We do not know the details of the business relationship between the Team and KFLP.”

https://www.charneylawyers.com/docs...ensics-report-ohl-final.pdf?sfvrsn=ad60a788_2
 
Take the KPMG numbers with a very big grain of salt. Devil is often in the hidden details.

Forensic auditor Ronald Smith thoroughly reviewed the KPMG report the league paid for.
In terms of the Kingston Frontenacs, Smith notes that there are actually two entities — Kingston Frontenac Hockey Limited (“the team”) and Kingston Frontenac Limited Partnership (KFLP).

To quote Smith: “We do not know the details of the business relationship between the Team and KFLP.”

https://www.charneylawyers.com/docs...ensics-report-ohl-final.pdf?sfvrsn=ad60a788_2
When it comes to business the Springers are playing Chess not Checkers.
Unfortunately they have struggled to apply that to on ice product until recently.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Ad

Ad