Dukes hockey contract before council
Administrator | Mar 28, 2019 | Comments 11
On the heels of the Wellington Duke’s Tuesday night come-back win of the East Division Championship, council’s committee of the whole will review its agreement for use of the community centre for its hockey games and fundraisers.
Negotiations began mid-2018 to replace the previous agreement. The new deal seeks a five-year term with automatic renewal for successive one-year periods.
The County maintains the ice surface and reserves Friday and Sunday afternoons for Dukes games during the hockey season as well as regular practice sessions.
Some highlights in the new agreement include removal of exclusivity to the Dukes for use of Wellington’s Community Centre for hockey schools and no obligation for the County to provide additional seating capacity.
Board advertising would no longer be shared 50/50 with the County – resulting in a loss of approximately $7,000 in revenue, but expected to be offset by the County offering hockey schools or instructional programs.
The County seeks increased notification for ice cancellations and a letter of credit for $10,000 to offset any delinquent payments.
The Dukes are required to ensure their security workers make sure that alcohol, narcotics and cannabis are not being consumed.
Dukes provide staff for events, including ticket sellers and security personnel and parking attendant. Dukes are responsible for extra security when attendance exceeds 700 and where the junior league requires additional security or paid police.
The Dukes hold exclusive advertising rights and costs for board, ice surface and the score clock. They are provided with a dressing room, storage area and office. The Dukes are expected to carry insurance of no less than $2 million.
During the 2017-2018 season, the Dukes generated $47,000 through invoicing and ice rentals, based on approximately 365 hours of ice rental at a the junior ice prime time rate of $150.74 per hour.
A bylaw is to be brought forward to the April 8 meeting of council for approval.
The club has experienced several ownership changes over the years and throughout, has represented the County several times in the Royal Bank, Dudley Hewitt and Central Canada Cups games.
The Dukes next meet with the North York Rangers. The South East Conference Final begins Thursday March 28 at 8:30 p.m. in North York and returns to Wellington, Friday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Game three is Sunday, March 31 in North York at 3 p.m.
Game four Tuesday, April 2 in Wellington, 7:30p.m.
If needed:
Game five Thursday, April 4 North York 7:30 p.m.
Gavie six Friday, April 5 in Wellington 7:30 p.m.
Game seven Sunday, April 7 in North York 3 p.m.
Filed Under: Local News
Jr A hockey is a private enterprise business.
Mike like all other Non Profit organizations whether it be Prince Edward County Minor Hockey or Prince Edward Figure skating club the Dukes pay for ice time, charging a fee at the gate helps to run those organizations. I think the Dukes are well deserving of any benefit The County affords them
Paul
Lets see $7000. That would not pay for the propane to run the Zamboni.Remember if I am not mistaken they pay for ice time only, no share of the gate etc
Steve, I am sure that the Pirates wish to continue playing out of Picton, and the Dukes Wellington. Each team has their own fan base that supports their team. It just makes sense that each team is offered the same terms when it comes to ice rental rates, advertising revenue and reserving ice time. Equal treatment is important and fair.
Apparently Mike the Dukes DID make money for The County through advertising revenue.
Steve
You think the Dukes make money for the county, guess again.
I guess I am suggesting that our 2 very competitive hockey teams represent the county and not just Picton and Wellington!
After all most of us that support these teams to not live in these 2 centres.
As for closing the Picton arena, of course not, it will function as it does today without the expense of the hockey team, does the team make a profit for the arena, I doubt it.
Are you suggesting the Pirates become the Wellington Pirates and the County close the Picton Community Centre?
The Dukes provide excellent entertainment for the residents at a very low priced entry fee, they bring dollars into the county in ways not measured on the county balance sheet by way of players board, meal expenses, etc., they are ambassadors of the county and the publicity they generate for us is hard to measure but is certainly happening.
Besides, what else are you going to use that beautiful new arena for and what will make up the $47,000 loss in revenue if the arena sits empty.
Perhaps we should look at consolidating all of our county hockey in one location and move the Pirates to the Wellington arena, what synergies would this represent and how much could be saved and moved to the County balance sheet.
If anyone has not witnessed the quality of hockey this team, and league plays I suggest you attend the games, you will not be disappointed!
Wonder if council gives the same perks and terms to the Pirates ?
Who is losing the $7000.00 the county? Further down in the article it is said that the Dukes hold exclusive advertising rights. Did the county give up their 50% share. Why, this is a private business that the tax payers are supporting.