A new addition to Haliburton County promises to deliver fast-paced Junior A hockey to the community beginning this fall, it was announced today. The Haliburton County Huskies of the Ontario Junior Hockey League are setting up shop in the recently renovated S.G Nesbitt Memorial Arena.  One of 22 franchises in the OJHL, the team is moving to Haliburton from Durham Region where it was known as the Whitby Fury.

“One of our main objectives, aside from having a great hockey team, is to work with the local residents to bring the community closer together through sport,” said Huskies President Paul Wilson. “We are very proud of the organization that we have created and the strong tradition that we know this team will bring to the county and its many hockey fans.”

“We’re very excited to be in Haliburton County,” said Huskies Head Coach and General Manager Ryan Ramsay. “Everyone, from the municipal council and staff, to local residents and merchants, has been so welcoming and we’re looking forward to getting into our new facility in this great community.”

The rink portion of the Minden arena was demolished and replaced as part of a $12-million renewal project.

“We think the knowledgeable hockey fans of this area will really enjoy this brand of junior hockey,” said Ramsay. “Our players are shooting for college scholarships and opportunities to play in the OHL and eventually professionally. The emphasis is on skill, speed and character.”

“We cannot wait to bring Junior A Hockey to Haliburton Country,” said Bradley Townsend, the Huskies’ President of Business and Hockey Operations. “Our team on and off the ice will work hard to give the entire community a great hockey experience for all ages. Join us and be a part of Huskies Hockey  “

“Haliburton county is beyond excited to get a Junior A hockey club,” said Mayor Brent Devolin of the Township of Minden Hills. “The new facility in Minden Hills that will house the team is state-of-the-art and we are proud to host teams of this level. We cannot wait to get the 2021-22 hockey season going.”

“The OJHL is extremely excited to be bringing Junior A hockey to Minden and the Haliburton Country.  At the Junior A level, the partnership with our municipalities is a key success factor.  The last number of years we have seen municipalities value having OJHL clubs being partners within their communities,” said OJHL Commissioner Marty Savoy.  “From running events at the regional and national levels, hosting league events and nationally televised games, to supporting our clubs throughout the season, these partnerships help in the development and support of these athletes and provides a platform to bring the community together.”

West Guilford native Bernie Nicholls played for the North York Rangers of the OJHL ahead of his 17-year career in the NHL. Former Haliburton Huskies minor hockey player and future NHLer Cody Hodgson was an affiliate player with the OJHL’s Markham team.

“One of our main objectives, aside from having a great hockey team, is to work with the local residents to bring the community closer together through sport,” said Ramsay. “We are very proud of the organization that we have created and the strong tradition that we know this team will bring to the county and its many hockey fans.”