JAMESTOWN – The city of Jamestown wont have a team in the North American Hockey League for the 2013-14 season. That after the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena announced Wednesday afternoon that Jamestown Ironmen will not return for next season.
According to a release from the arena, Ironmen Owner Kenji Yamada has decided to suspend operations for the season. I a written statement, Yamada said he appreciates the support the team received form the community and is strongly looking forward to make the Jamestown Ironmen come back on the ice for the 2014-15 season.
The Ironmen have played in Jamestown the past two seasons. In 2011, the ice arena announced it had signed an agreement to bring the Ironmen into the area and as a result, the NAHL – the second highest rated junior hockey leagues in North America. But with disappointing attendance and low community support, the team has struggled the past two years to remain afloat.
Jamestown Savings Bank Arena CEO Kurt Silcott said there was an effort by some local people and business owners to save the team and maintain operations for next season, but those efforts ultimately did not come to fruition.
The Ironmen had a 37-19-4 record in 2012-13 season and went on to win the North Division title in the playoffs and participate in the Robertson Cup where they ultimately finished 4th.
Silcott did not say in the media release if another hockey team or league would be brought into Jamestown for the 2013-14 season.
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