It has been a tough summer for the Quebec border town of Temiscaming.
In mid July, the community of close to 2400 about a 45-minute drive from North Bay, found out RYAM, which operates the mill, would be laying off 275 workers.
In early August, more bad news for the town, as it will be losing its hockey team - at least for now.
"It is with a heavy heart that the Titans have exercised their right to have a leave of absence with the GMHL," owner Pascal Labranche stated in a release sent out Wednesday evening.
Labranche, is the sole owner of the successful Greater Metro Junior 'A' Hockey League franchise. He announced last March that the team would be put up for sale. After unsuccessfully finding a buyer, Labranche told the community the team would operate again in the fall of 2024.
"Last April I confirmed to you that the main elements necessary for a season to run were in place," said Labranche.
"These elements are just the tip of the iceberg into the ocean of what it takes to effectively manage a hockey team."
See related: Could Temiscaming lose its junior hockey team?
See related: It's official, RYAM lays of 275 workers at Temiscaming plant
Things seemed to be going well earlier this summer. Back in late July, the team announced a pair of international signings including a defenceman and a goaltender from France.
The Titans, who have called Le Centre' in Temiscaming home for 13 years, traditionally pack the rink for Titans home games. The team even captured the league championship in 2022 and in 2015.
"Fellow citizens of Temiscaming, you know better than anyone that we have been sailing together in troubled waters for the last few months," Labranche stated about the layoffs at the local mill.
"Although this decision is a difficult one, I have the chance to speak to the best fans in the league, who are in the same boat as me and who will undoubtedly understand that sometimes a withdrawal is necessary for a comeback.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank our local partners with which we are working on the reorganization of the team. Thank you to the GMHL for their unfailing support and understanding. This break does not mean the end of the adventure, we will come back stronger.
"I cannot ignore the support of fans and volunteers. Please know that it is this consideration that I have for you that made this decision difficult. I am committed to continuing the work that we can meet again in 2025-26."
Labranche paid his league dues for 2024-25, which allows the owner to take a one-year leave of absence and use that time to find a new owner for the start of the 2025-26 season or continue to run it on his own.
