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Sports Oakville Beaver SPORTS EDITOR: JON KUIPERIJ Phone 905-845-3824 (ext. 255) Fax 905-337-5567 email sports@oakvillebeaver.com · FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2007 47 Sign of spring Blades seeking home for upcoming season Future uncertain for Jr. A hockey club By Herb Garbutt OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER HEADER: The Halton high school spring sports season began this week with soccer and baseball action. Above, Adam Gartshore of White Oaks grimaces as he heads the ball during the Wildcats' game against the Robert Bateman Wild Wednesday in Burlington. Competition in rugby and softball is scheduled to get underway next week. The Oakville Blades are hoping they don't slip through the cracks as they await word whether they will have a home for next season. The Town of Oakville recently purchased the Blades' home arena, Dominion Twin Rinks, after the twin-pad facility went bankrupt last month. The Town is currently meeting with groups who rented ice at Twin Rinks and formulating a plan as to how to allocate ice for next year. The Blades met with the Town Monday, after which team president Bob Falconi was optimistic an agreement can be reached. However, he said the team needs a commitment from the Town in the next few weeks so that the Provincial Jr. A Hockey League can draw up its schedule for next season. "I'm 95 per cent certain we'll get an agreement," Falconi said. "Our problem is that we're working under tighter timelines than the other groups." However, the Blades' needs may not fit with the Town's timelines. "We're working really hard to accommodate as many of the groups as we can," said Nina deVaal, director of recreation and culture for the Town. "Clearly, we want to move as quickly as we can, but council still has to look at the options. There will be a report going to council in June and at that time the decisions will be made." The Town, which officially took over operation of the arena last Friday, is honouring Twin Rinks' immediate commitments, meaning the Blades' rookie camp and summer league will not be affected. One thing that does concern the Blades' president is the town's allocation policy, which gives youth groups priority. The junior. A team, for players between the ages of 16 and 20, is not considered a youth group, Falconi said. "We do have an allocation policy that does say youth first," deVaal said. "That would be one option, strictly putting groups in, following with the policy." Despite being optimistic, Falconi said the team will also have to look at its options so it can be prepared should the Blades be unable to work out a deal with the town. "There is a possibility the Town could say they don't have time for us," he said. "The (town) of Oakville could decide that they don't want to have a junior A team by not allocating us ice." Playing at a private facility, such as Canlan Ice Sports, is one possibility. The Blades played at the arena before moving to Twin Rinks in 2004, though Falconi said the seating and sightlines there are not ideal. Another option, one Falconi hopes isn't necessary, would be moving the Blades -- who celebrated their 40th anniversary last season -- out of town. "The Oakville Blades have been here for a long time and our intention is to stay in Oakville," he said. Join Us For Golf This Season! Limited number of memberships available! Associate Membership.................................................$299.99 Weekday Membership ............................................ $2,499.99* Weekday & after 1:30 on weekends Membership $2,899.99* Full Introductory Membership............................. $3,899.99* *Includes: driving range; club storage & cleaning plus use of pull cart; lockers & computerized handicapping. · 36 Championship Holes · Home of the Canadian Open Qualifier · Complete Premier Practice Facility · Golf Clinics, Jr. Golf Camps & Private Coaching taught by Qualified Professionals · Best Golf Pro Shop in the Area! Pro Shop & Golf Course NOW OPEN! 905-336-3660 Visit Us Online: www.hiddenlakegolf.com