The Windsor Spitfires are not being sold to a dentist from the GTA, but there is a change in the local ownership of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team.
"What we're trying to say today is, it's business as usual and we're going forward with the Windsor Spitfires with the existing people," says Brian Schwab.
Even though the ownership group will stay the same, the Cypher Systems Group (CSG) — John Savage, his brother Stephen Savage and Brian Schwab — will now take a controlling interest of the OHL club, with the other owners, Warren Rychel and Bob Boughner still being involved.
John Savage tells CTV Windsor there there was a discussion with the "Smiles First" dental company in Markham — but he wants to make one thing clear, saying "This was an organization that came to us," says Savage. " We were not out seeking, the Spitfires were not for sale, but we were approached by this organization — it was a legitimate position they were taking so we agreed to sit down and talk with them."
Savage says he understands there were a lot of questions.
"As far as the team is concerned, to have this ongoing all the time, it's just too big of a distraction both for the public and fans and the players, it's just too disturbing — so we've put a box around the thing and just said we're not for sale."
John Savage speaks to the media, May 2017. (Photo by AM800's Rob Hindi)
The CSG owners — who also own the LaSalle Vipers of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League and the Lakeshore Canadians of the Provincial Junior Hockey League — are not commenting on how much money changed hands or how much of a stake they are taking.
Bob Boughner is a two-time OHL Coach of the Year with the Spitfires while Rychel has been the General Manager of the team since taking over as part owner.
The Spitfires have won Memorial Cups in 2009, 2010 and 2017.
The statement goes on to say "The Windsor Spitfires are enthusiastic about the 2019-20 season. Our team has an incredibly strong player lineup, which will see a few changes to round out the roster and deliver the hockey experience our fans deserve. Additionally, we will be adding and improving elements within the rink to elevate our overall fan experience."
Boughner believes the Spits will be a real contender in the next couple of years and says "We're letting the fans know that it's the same people involved and our plan to put the product on the ice, a great product, and provide that entertainment and hopefully we start winning some playoff rounds here."
The current ownership group earlier released a statement in April confirming discussions were underway for the sale of the club.
It was believed that Dr. Azim Parekh, the Founder and CEO of the Smiles First Corporation in Markham, was the buyer after the Spitfires drafted his two sons in the spring.
Windsor used the fifth pick in the Under-18 Draft to select Aydin Parekh, a 5-foot-9, 190 pound defenceman. The Spits also selected his younger brother Isa Parekh, a 5-foot-9, 113 pound defenceman, in the annual Priority Selection.
Calls to Dr. Parekh have not been returned.
Boughner, Rychel and Peter Dobrich purchased the Spitfires team from Steve Riolo on April 6, 2006.
John and Stephen Savage and Brian Schwab purchased a stake in the Spitfires in May 2013 as Dobrich sold his share of the franchise.
The statement goes on to say "CGS has demonstrated their proven commitment to the Windsor community over the past 35 years, not only through their various business ventures, but most recently through their investment in the revitalization of the downtown core and the rehabilitation of a number of buildings include the Old Fish Market, among others."