The Sudbury Spartans are steeped in tradition and now the long standing northern franchise has been acquired by Wolves owner Dario Zulich.
Both franchises share similar team colours, and now the two teams will be integrating operations staff; including cross-promotion, team marketing, as well as food and beverage and merchandising.
“We're taking another historic team with so much history and pride, and we're just going to try to assist the existing sports management in rejuvenating and bringing back some championships,” said Zulich.
Previous owners Bill Costello and Gord Goddard told CTV they've dedicated decades to the Spartans, and now they're looking forward to solely focusing the on-field product.
“Our heritage within the Sudbury community is now intact,” said Costello, Spartans general manager.
“There’s less worry of going year to year of whether or not we're going to have a team.”
“We're going to be able to put more of our resources, Bill and I, into the team on the field. I think our recruiting efforts are out there, we're still looking for more players right now to join us for the season. They have to know they're going to be part of a first-class organization,” added Goddard, the team’s president.
Zulich feels the deal also brings him one step closer to executing his vision of a sports and entertainment complex in Sudbury.
“We want to create a sports and entertainment district or destination for not just the region, also for northeastern Ontario, and these franchises can assist in bringing people from northeastern Ontario to these sporting events,” Zulich explained.
A new season always brings excitement, but for many people this year has a special buzz, given what's transpired.
Fans won't have to wait long to see the 2017 version of the Spartans.
The team’s home opener is set for June 3 against the Sault Steelers.
