abbotsford centreRecent reports of flagging attendance in Cranbrook have led to speculation that the Kootenay Ice WHL team could be on the move, leading naturally to thought of the team landing here in Abbotsford.

WHL commissioner Ron Robison says anytime a franchise is struggling the priority is to try to keep the team in place.

“We look at it as far as the existing ownership exhausting all efforts to continue to operate in that market and if it’s not possible and we’re convinced that market is not a viable market long term then we’ll have no alternative but to consider relocation at that stage.”

Abbotsford mayor Henry Braun says he’s always open to talks about teams and leagues but says he has had nothing recent with the WHL.

Braun says most of the talks he’s had has been with local business people looking to bring a team to town.

“Our job is more to facilitate and discuss with potential entrepreneurs. We are approached probably monthly by entrepreneurs interested in a sports business and owning a team in the Fraser Valley. But they rarely get to the point of being serious candidates and that’s where things fall apart.”

Braun says the WHL and other leagues are well aware that Abbotsford has an arena and are looking for a revenue positive anchor tenant.