June 18, 2018, BRAMPTON, ON: The Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) has approved the application made by the local ownership group behind the Orangeville Flyers to relocate the franchise to Brampton, Ontario. The club will continue to play in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) effective for the 2018-2019 season. The newly relocated club will play in the OJHL Western Division.

The OJHL and OHA's approval of the Brampton Admirals franchise comes at a time when the Orangeville Flyers were struggling with community and fan support. The relocation of the team places the newly-named Brampton Admirals in the same home arena as their Junior B affiliate, the Brampton Bombers at the historic Heritage Memorial Arena at 69 Elliott Street that will now be the hub for junior hockey in Brampton.”

 “This was not an easy decision for the franchise,” says team President David Arsenault. “However, for as long as I’ve had the two teams, dating back to 2012, I have always wanted them to play in the same facility, allowing players to practice and develop together. This setup allows players from the Brampton Bombers to practice and play up with the Brampton Admirals and learn from them”. He continues, “The decision to move is part of our commitment to provide hockey at all levels of play and to ensure that players and staff are afforded every opportunity to develop and progress within a framework that allows for junior hockey to survive and thrive in communities across Ontario.”

David added, “Coaches, managers, trainers, equipment managers, game day staff as well as sales and marketing staff all in one building working together is a true junior hockey development model. We have now achieved this goal and are confident that it will benefit both teams.”

Admirals Vice President and General Manager Dana Baker states; “I look forward to attempting to establish the Admirals as a top tier organization within the OJHL”. “Providing a place where young men can develop as hockey players and reach their goals.“

Brampton Admirals Head Coach Justin Teakle states, “Anytime there is a change it creates excitement and a new challenge”. “We are expecting to be ultra competitive”. “A move to Brampton for us is a huge positive from a recruiting standpoint as it helps us to find the right players for the culture we are trying to create in a more vast market”.

Newly appointed Director of Sales and Marketing, Kelly Martin states; the “New Admirals” have received substantial support and encouragement from the city of Brampton and we believe that the residents of this great city are ready to welcome back junior hockey in their community”. “Together with the junior A and junior B teams playing on Friday and Saturday evenings at the Memorial Arena we anticipate a revived passion from the fans of Brampton to support two junior teams that are the local portals for up and coming local minor hockey players looking to advance to the next level”.

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 “I’m delighted to hear that Brampton will be getting a new Junior “A” hockey team. I understand this was a difficult decision for the Orangeville Flyers team and staff and I appreciate that they’ve chosen Brampton as their new home. The Brampton Admirals will find a warm and receptive crowd in our City. We have vibrant and enthusiastic youth and minor hockey leagues and having a new Junior “A” team in the City allows another opportunity for our young players to follow hockey and expand their game. I’m confident that our very large and diverse community will rally around the teams in our historic Memorial Arena. Best yet, we have a university campus on the horizon that will bring a brand new audience that will be able to enjoy the level of play the Admirals will bring to Brampton.”

- Mayor Linda Jeffrey

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“The OJHL is excited about being back in Brampton with the relocation of the Orangeville Flyers to Brampton. Having a GOJHL and OJHL team play out of the same facility will allow for a great combined use of resources for each club such as marketing and administration. This moves also allows for a unique development opportunity for players with the two clubs”.

- OJHL Commissioner Marty Savoy

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The ownership group in Brampton is working diligently to ensure the new team is fully operational immediately now that its application has been approved by the OJHL. The club is busy recruiting for next season and anticipates announcing its try-outs in the not-too-distant future. "While we are in a proverbial race to get to the start line for new hockey season ahead, we hope to work closely with local business on cultivating sponsorship partnerships and we will be reaching out to the community to help support all aspects of this club", Arsenault said.