Dieppe Commandos hockey franchise moving to Edmundston

The Dieppe Commandos will have a new home, and likely a new name during the next season of theMaritime Junior Hockey League.

The league formally announced Wednesday the franchisewould be moving toEdmundston, N.B.

The transfer was allowed after a new franchisegroup from the city made a formal presentation to the league's board of governors.

The team's home will be located in the city's newamphitheatre, theJean-DaigleCentre, scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2017.

League president Brian Whitehead said the new franchise group in Edmundstonis "clearly passionate about the game and their desire to join the MHL."

Team presidentAndreLeBel said the city and area are ready to welcome the team.

"There is no doubt as to our community's passion for hockey and there is nodoubt as to the suitability of our new amphitheatre as a home arena for this team."

Team ownerJean-FranoisDamphousse said it was not financiallyfeasible to operate the team in Dieppe any longer.

"The support we hoped would materialize over time never occurred, even with a successful team on the ice over the past number of seasons. The hockey competition from theQMJHL, AUS and Midget programs, not to mention the competition for entertainment dollars in general, makes the ability for the Commandos program to continue impossible," he said.

The transfer of the Dieppe Commandos franchise will become effective at the endof the 2016-17 MHL season.