The Maple Leafs’ ECHL affiliate shut down on Tuesday due to the inability of the club’s owner, Deacon Sports and Entertainment, to find a buyer for the team.
The ECHL announced the termination of the Growlers’ membership in the league due to their failure to meet obligations outlined in the ECHL bylaws.
“We are saddened by the discontinuation of ECHL hockey in the Newfoundland market,” stated ECHL commissioner Ryan Crelin. “We extend our gratitude to the Growlers fans and partners for their unwavering support of the team throughout their tenure, and we remain hopeful that hockey will return to the region for their dedicated and passionate fanbase.”
With six games left on their 2023-24 schedule, players under AHL contracts are expected to join the Toronto Marlies, while those under ECHL contracts are now unrestricted free agents.
