City, Prospective Team Owners Quarrelling over Chilliwack WHL Expansion Franchise
MRG Group says the city ended talks without explanation after the WHL chose it as preferred bidder, and the company wants a public account of the decision.
- Matthew Gibbons, president of The MRG Group, stated the City of Chilliwack abruptly terminated negotiations on Feb. 4, contradicting Mayor Ken Popove's claim that the Western Hockey League had been "ghosting" the city.
- Jennifer Hahn, the city's CAO, sent an email on Feb. 4 directing staff to cease negotiations, Gibbons said, though city leadership had indicated the deal was still on the table five days earlier.
- WHL commissioner Dan Near issued a formal letter requesting a three-party meeting on Feb. 26 following the collapse, but the city failed to respond for over a week, eventually sending a junior staff member.
- Gibbons argued the city owes residents a transparent explanation regarding the $70 million economic opportunity, noting his team was assembled with serious capital and NHL-connected investors ready to commit.
- Respecting the tradition of the Chilliwack Chiefs was central to the bid, Gibbons said, while he dismissed social media chatter suggesting the city developed cold feet as a "pile of crap.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Who ghosted who?: MRG Group speaks out after stalled WHL negotiations with City of Chilliwack - Creston Valley Advance
One day after Chilliwack mayor Ken Popove accused the Western Hockey League of “ghosting” the city, a prospective team buyer has stated the City of Chilliwack abruptly ended negotiations with them on Feb. 4. The MRG Group, a Vancouver-based live entertainment and events company, told Black Press Media that they were selected as the WHL’s preferred applicant after the league reviewed all candidates. They then entered into negotiations with the Ci…
Who ghosted who?: MRG Group speaks out after stalled WHL negotiations with City of Chilliwack - Fort St. James Caledonia Courier
One day after Chilliwack mayor Ken Popove accused the Western Hockey League of “ghosting” the city, a prospective team buyer has stated the City of Chilliwack abruptly ended negotiations with them on Feb. 4. The MRG Group, a Vancouver-based live entertainment and events company, told Black Press Media that they were selected as the WHL’s preferred applicant after the league reviewed all candidates. They then entered into negotiations with the Ci…
Who ghosted who?: MRG Group speaks out after stalled WHL negotiations with City of Chilliwack - Grand Forks Gazette
One day after Chilliwack mayor Ken Popove accused the Western Hockey League of “ghosting” the city, a prospective team buyer has stated the City of Chilliwack abruptly ended negotiations with them on Feb. 4. The MRG Group, a Vancouver-based live entertainment and events company, told Black Press Media that they were selected as the WHL’s preferred applicant after the league reviewed all candidates. They then entered into negotiations with the Ci…
Who ghosted who?: MRG Group speaks out after stalled WHL negotiations with City of Chilliwack - Vanderhoof Omineca Express
One day after Chilliwack mayor Ken Popove accused the Western Hockey League of “ghosting” the city, a prospective team buyer has stated the City of Chilliwack abruptly ended negotiations with them on Feb. 4. The MRG Group, a Vancouver-based live entertainment and events company, told Black Press Media that they were selected as the WHL’s preferred applicant after the league reviewed all candidates. They then entered into negotiations with the Ci…
Who ghosted who?: MRG Group speaks out after stalled WHL negotiations with City of Chilliwack - Northern Sentinel
One day after Chilliwack mayor Ken Popove accused the Western Hockey League of “ghosting” the city, a prospective team buyer has stated the City of Chilliwack abruptly ended negotiations with them on Feb. 4. The MRG Group, a Vancouver-based live entertainment and events company, told Black Press Media that they were selected as the WHL’s preferred applicant after the league reviewed all candidates. They then entered into negotiations with the Ci…
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