"Awful news for Canadian hockey, as they are likely losing two more professional hockey teams — the Newfoundland Growlers and Trois-Rivieres Lions — both in the ECHL — due to bankruptcy.
The clubs, which are the second-tier affiliates of the Maple Leafs and the Canadiens, respectively, are majority-owned by Deacon Sports and Entertainment, which is nearing bankruptcy and owes the city of Trois-Rivière more than $600K.
They are at risk of folding before the 2023-24 season is even finished.
The ECHL has set a deadline for DSE to sell the clubs by April 2. However, the sale of both franchises is unexpected to happen in time. The ECHL's board of governors, led by commissioner Ryan Crelin, will meet Tuesday to decide whether to allow them to play out the season. Regardless, the league will absorb ownership of the two franchises after the April 2 deadline."