Junior C hockey is back in Petrolia after the OHA voted to approve the move of the Alvinston Flyers for next season. The move will end the Flyers nearly 30 years of operation in Alvinston, and brings junior hockey to Petrolia for the first time since the junior B Jetts moved to Lambton Shores following the 2007-2008 season. Flyers President and GM Dennis Meston says they are keeping the Flyer's name.
"We're keeping our condor which a lot of people like. We're going to recognize the junior hockey legacy that use to be in Petrolia with a jet in our logo," says Meston.
"We're also paying homage to our past with the logo itself saying 'established in Alvinston in 1988.'"
He says they are looking to work together with the strong minor hockey program in Petrolia and are hoping the new location helps attract more players from Sarnia.
With Junior teams already in Lucan, Lambeth, Parkhill and Mt. Brydges, He admits its been a challenge attracting players in recent years.
Those four teams, and the SOJHL, use to operate as a junior D league, but joined the Junior C level for the 2012-2013 season.