For sale

The Wellington Dukes are for sale. A deal will be done this year. The only question is: Will it still be the Dukes of Wellington?

The Dukes’ general manager and head coach, Jacob Panetta, is calling for an individual or group of investors to step up to keep the team in Wellington. It is now. Or never.

Panetta is coming off a challenging yet ultimately successful season leading the local OJHL club. But he did so without pay. None of the coaches were compensated for their time or efforts this season.

He says the current owner is selling—entirely. Panetta believes there is interest in acquiring the team, but not all of it is local. He expects interest from groups looking to relocate the team. The current owner would prefer the team stay in Wellington. So does the OJHL. So do fans.

But someone or some group needs to step forward.

In 2011, the community-owned franchise was sold to an investor from Pembroke. While he maintained the team in Wellington, there was grumbling at the time that the team wasn’t offered for sale to local folks.

This time is different. Panetta—and everyone involved with the team—wants to see a local ownership group step up to run and operate the team—and keep it in Wellington. The team is giving ample notice of its readiness for a new ownership group.

The Dukes are rightfully proud of an unparalleled tradition of success in the league—indeed rare in sports. This team has always made the playoffs in 37 seasons—reaching the national championships twice. In some sense, the team is bigger than the village. Every other team in the OJHL operates from a larger centre.

But few attract such a loyal and enthusiastic fan base.

Such are the ingredients to a successful franchise— a storied franchise.

Jacob Panetta wants to hear from anyone interested in organizing a bid (his contact details are at the end of this story). “Call me anytime of day,” said Panetta.

He says the next 60 days are critical. By June 1, he must begin scheduling negotiations (so that the Dukes aren’t left with scraps as they were last season). Player recruitment has to begin in early June as well.

Panetta wasn’t brought on board until July, so the team lost a critical month.

He says a final deal isn’t necessarily needed by June, but the team needs to know things are moving in the right direction.

“We need to have a concept of idea of the road ahead by June,” explained Panetta. “Rosters open up in June.”

Panetta describes the past 10 months as a whirlwind. He says it was a great experience—being back in the rink, working with the coaches, the volunteers, the community and players. He is hoping an appeal to the community will secure a long-term future for the Wellington Dukes.

To learn more about how you can help shape the future of the Dukes in Wellington, you can reach Jacob Panetta at (613) 920-4585 or by email at jpanetta96@gmail.com