Update from Wolves Ownership
Watertown, NY – The Watertown Wolves of the FPHL would like to announce a change of ownership of the team, effective as of April 1st, 2020.
Don Kirnan, who has owned the team since 2016, has sold the majority interest in the company to real estate investor- and entrepreneur Andreas Johansson- who recently relocated to Upstate NY to be able to fully be involved in managing the team. Growing up watching minor league hockey himself with his family, Andreas sees the huge value a team like the Wolves provide to the local community, and is really looking forward to continue building something great for the fans and local business community to really get behind. Part of the appeal of purchasing the Wolves was witnessing the family atmosphere, with generations of fans attending games together.
Andreas’ list of business partners and clients includes a list of well-known athletes and celebrities, which will give the Wolves some unique opportunities to grow the following in the future, as well as gaining some top quality advisors.
“I have been working with Don for years, researching opportunities for the league to grow, as well as looking to acquire a franchise for myself. When the opportunity to buy the team in Watertown came up, I felt I had to jump on that immediately. Don has built a great team here, both on- and off the ice, and I look forward to keep building on that. There’s a great tradition of winning here in Watertown, with two recent Commissioner’s Cup championships, as well as the best fans in the league. I see no reason why we can’t keep growing the attendance year on year, and make the Watertown Municipal Arena the loudest place to come play in the league, and the hardest away game for any of our opponents”.
“We have the best housing in the league, and the setup for players off the ice, will enable us to recruit top class talent going into the new season”.
The new ownership are already looking to make some improvements, by working with the city to install a video board adjacent to the score board, opening up more opportunities for advertisers to reach a big crowd, as well as being able to further energize the crowd.
Don Kirnan will still retain a minority stake in the team, as well as serve as Andreas’ closest advisor, while at the same time, allowing himself more time to focus on his duties as the Commissioner of the rapidly growing Federal Prospects Hockey League.
“Andreas has international contacts that can help bring this team to a new level, and fans will recognize people he has worked with in the past. Watertown has a special place in my heart, and I know Andreas will take this team to new heights”, said Kirnan.