The Hamilton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Professional Basketball League are now the Brampton Honey Badgers after it was announced last week that the First Ontario Centre will be shut down for 20 months for major upgrades. The Lacrosse Toronto Rock and the First Ontario Centre’s prime tenant, the Hamilton Bulldogs are also looking for new homes. Bulldog owner Michael Andlauer said the news that the facility would not be available for games during renovations was “shocking and unexpected. “We had been told that the renovations would occur in a manner that would allow hockey to continue,” Andlauer said. While he searches for a home for the Bulldogs, Andlauer is also in the running to purchase the Ottawa Senators.
Toronto Rock Owner Jamie Dawick said he will bring his team back once renovations are complete.. “While there will be some short-term pain with being displaced from FirstOntario Centre, we’re very excited about the new venue we will return to upon the completion of the project. It’s an exciting time for the city and its sports fans and event-goers.”
The Honey Badgers said their move to Brampton is permanent but said the league might be interested in placing an expansion franchise in Hamilton when the facility is open again. The Brampton CAA centre, located at the junction of Highways 407 and 410 seats 5,000.
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