April 15, 2014 - 12:09 PM
ABBOTSFORD, B.C. - The Abbotsford Heat of the American Hockey League is leaving the City of Abbotsford.
Mayor Bruce Banman announced today that the termination of the tenancy agreement with the team is in the best financial interests of the city.
The team has been a money loser for the city, and Abbotsford has agreed to pay more than $5 million to end its agreement with the franchise five years early.
The Heat is the farm team for the Calgary Flames.
Flames president Ken King says it's a sad day for Abbotsford and, notwithstanding the economics, the team's experiences in the Fraser Valley have been good.
The Flames say in a news release that they have a plan in place for the Heat in the 2014-15 season and will announce the team's new location later. (CKNW, The Canadian Press)
News from © The Canadian Press, 2014