The WHL's Brandon Wheat Kings have been sold to J&G Group of Companies, ending the long-time ownership of Kelly McCrimmon, the club announced Tuesday.
BREAKING NEWS: The Brandon Wheat Kings have been sold to the J&G Group of Companies.
: https://t.co/s7s4XCK28A pic.twitter.com/ep9Ygs921m— Brandon Wheat Kings (@bdnwheatkings) September 8, 2020
The deal was unanimously approved by the WHL's board of governors last week and the Wheat Kings will officially change hands from McCrimmon, who was been sole owner for the past two decades, on Sept. 15.
“This was an extremely difficult decision for our family,” said McCrimmon, who joined the club in 1988 as its assistant general manager, in a press release.
“The Wheat Kings have been our life, from playing here for two years and then operating the team for 31 years, 28 of those as an owner. There have been so many incredible moments, the victories, the people, the staff and of course the many players over the years that have worn our uniform. I started as GM when I was 28 years old. Brandon became our home, we love the city and we love Manitoba.”
The J&G Group is led by president and CEO Jared Jacobson, a native of Brandon, Man.
“This is a very exciting day for myself, my family and business partners,” said Jacobson. “Our ownership group is looking forward to adding new energy and new ideas to one of the most storied franchises in the Canadian Hockey League. We are committed to providing the fans with not only a great on-ice product, but the best fan experience possible.”
“I would like to thank Kelly for this opportunity, the Wheat Kings mean everything to Brandon, Manitobans, and fans across Western Canada. We look forward to building on the past successes of the organization.”