Defending NPHL champs on life support

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

A last-ditch effort was made Dec. 3 to try and save the defending North Peace Hockey League champion Peace River Stampeders from folding. A team meeting was called to try and save the franchise, which officially folded Nov. 29 after failing to fulfill its league commitment by not traveling to Manning to play the Comets. NPHL president Jack McAvoy says he received a call from Stampeders’ manager Cal Parentueau around noon telling him he did not have enough players to play the game. McAvoy informed Parenteau of the stiff fines involved according to the NPHL constitution and gave him until 2 p.m. to find enough players. Later, Parenteau called McAvoy again and said he only had seven players to go to the game. McAvoy advised Parenteau to go to Manning with the short lineup, then try to get their house in order the following week. Parenteau replied the team was finished. McAvoy then faxed Hockey Alberta senior chair Al Fedorus in Drayton Valley telling him the Stampeders folded. He then faxed all NPHL clubs the news and informed them the schedule would be reduced to 26 games and adjustments made by the end of next week. Stampeders’ president Bev Parenteau issued the following statement on the team’s website the same day. “It is with deep regret I must confirm the Peace River Stampeders Hockey Club will not finish the 2007-08 season,” she wrote. “Unfortunately, we were unable to ice a team for tonight’s game and as per NPHL rules we must forfeit our bond and withdraw. “On behalf of the Stampeders organization we would like to thank our sponsors and fans for their support. The Peace River Stampeders will continue to work toward once again becoming a part of the NPHL.” News resurfaced Dec. 1 that the Stampeders were going to try to reorganize after players decided to give it one last try. The NPHL held a conference call Dec. 2 and agreed to fine the Stampeders $2,000 plus award two points to Manning. The Stampeders must also pay another $2,000 performance bond before noon Dec. 6 to be reinstated. If the Stampeders pay the fees, they are reinstated. If not, all games involving the team will continue to be struck from the record books and the schedule adjusted. The High Prairie Regals will lose two points if the Stampeders fold.

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