A Sudbury developer heralded a “new era” for his hometown’s Ontario Hockey League (OHL) franchise.
“Our objective moving forward is clear,” said Dario Zulich, the new owner of the Sudbury Wolves. “The Wolves organization will become a model OHL franchise and a preferred destination for aspiring young hockey players.
“We want our players to learn the game, improve their skills, develop as young men and become outstanding members of our community. I can’t wait to get started. We are eager for a new era of Wolves hockey.”
Zulich is the CEO of TESC, a heavy industrial contracting firm, and is a partner in Zulich Enterprises. He’s also fronting an arena proposal, the True North Strong Event Centre, of which the Wolves would be the main tenant.
The league’s board of governors approved the sale and transfer of ownership from the Burgess and Edwards families to Zulich on Aug. 18. The sale price was reportedly in the $11 million range.
The Wolves have been a member of the OHL since 1972. The late Ken Burgess purchased the franchise in 1986.
Zulich also recently purchased the landmark Sudbury water tower in the city’s downtown with the intent to preserve and further develop it.
Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger told Sudbury.com that a request for proposals (RFP) to build a new arena and events centre in the city could be ready by March, a few months earlier than originally planned.
The city has approved as much as $275,000 to hire a consulting firm to first help develop the criteria for the RFP, as well as to finalize the document.
"We're making a decision that will have an impact for, in Sudbury Arena's case, the next 65 years,” Bigger said. “So that's why we're hiring experts and that's why we need to take whatever time it takes."
The mayor's comments come day after Zulich urged city council to move as fast as possible in deciding where and when a new arena will be built.
In his first press conference since taking ownership of the franchise, Zulich talked on Aug. 30 about making arrangements with the provincial and federal governments who are asking cities to put forward shovel-ready major infrastructure projects.
“Timing is critical. This community could use a boost to the local economy. We shouldn't allow events such as major concerts and family shows and sporting events to bypass us (in favour of) newer buildings in other cities."
While wanting to move as quickly as possible, Bigger said that getting all the information they need and ensuring a fair process is their top priority.
"But we'll be dealing, as a council, with the suggestion that perhaps we can shorten the timeline to March,” he said. “I'm sure that any of the proponents that would bid on the proposal, we want to make sure they have enough time to put in proper bids. That's very key to us -- to make sure there is a competitive bidding process, which we do follow any significant procurement at the City of Sudbury."
