Abitibi Eskimos to leave Iroquois Falls for Timmins

The Junior A hockey team in Iroquois Falls is packing up its skates at the end of this seasonand moving to Timmins.

The Abitibi Eskimos made the announcement on Tuesday.The team has been playing in the town for 16 years.

A press release cites economic strains,and a better hockey-life balance in Timmins for the teenagers on the team.

"Changing economic realities cannot be ignored," said Scott Marshall, President of the Abitibi Eskimos Board of Directors.

"Our priorityfocus has to be on what is in the absolute best interest of the players."

Just before Christmas, the local paper mill announced it was closing, leaving many in Iroquois Falls without work.