Portage College’s Board of Governors have come to a decision, and despite Lac La Biche County’s protests, the Voyageurs Hockey team is going ahead with the move to Cold Lake.
The college cites increased revenue potential, improved quality of life for student athletes in the larger city and growth of the athletic department as the Energy Centre expands.
“Portage College’s Administration appreciates the support given to the team by Lac La Biche County,” the County said in a statement announcing the decision. “The College also respects the powerful emotions associated with transferring a team whose original home was Lac La Biche. The difficult decision to move the team is part of the Administration’s responsibility to ensure the team’s long term survival and the College’s success.”
The decision to move the hockey team had been met with stiff opposition since it was announced on May 10th. The board of Governors conducted a review of the move after being urged by Lac La Biche Mayor Omer Mograbhi to do so. The board handed the final decision over President & CEO of the college, Dr. Trent Keough, who decided to go ahead with the move on Tuesday evening.