|
Bulldogs on way out of Hamilton
By
ELIZABETH RANCOURT, QMI Agency
|
  
|
  Marlies forward Will Acton tries to break through the Bulldogs defence during the AHL Outdoor Classic at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, Ont., Jan. 21, 2012. (ERNEST DOROSZUK/QMI Agency) |
MONTREAL - The Montreal Canadiens' American Hockey League affiliate is set to move to the Montreal suburb of Laval, according to information obtained by TVA Sports from a source close to the story.
According to the source, the Hamilton Bulldogs could move to their new home by as early as summer 2013.
Just like the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Habs' farm team would end up playing a few kilometres from the home of the parent club, in this case the Bell Centre.
According to Canadiens vice-president of communications, Donald Beauchamp, the contract linking the team with its affiliate ends at the end of the 2012-2013 season, which coincides with the conclusion of the contract signed with Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, where the Bulldogs play now.
In Laval, the Bulldogs would play out of a yet-to-be-built complex, the construction of which was announced in 2009.
The City of Laval refused to comment on the story, while Jean-Maurice Duddin, spokesperson for Mayor Gilles Vaillancourt, declined an interview request but didn't deny the story.
Since 2002, the Bulldogs have been owned by businessman Michael Andlauer, a minority shareholder with the Habs. Andlauer, who owns a home and company in Laval, did not return calls for comment.
