ECHL's Newfoundland Growlers booted from home arena pending results of 'workplace investigation'

A strange situation is brewing in the ECHL. The league's Newfoundland Growlers, who won the Kelly Cup in 2019, have been suspended from playing home games and no longer have access to their home arena in St. John's

"St. John's Sports and Entertainment Ltd. (SJSEL) has suspended Growlers home games at the former Mile One Centre due to a workplace investigation," states a news release from SJSEL.

"Deacon Sports & Entertainment Limited (DSE, the parent company of the Growlers) has been informed that their rights and privileges under the terms of the lease - including access to the premises - have been suspended pending the outcome of a formal investigation by a third-party investigator."

«Employees of SJSEL have brought forward allegations of disrespectful workplace conduct against staff at DSE that must be fully investigated," said St. John's Mayor Danny Breen, Chair of SJSEL. "Given the seriousness of the situation we have no choice but to take this action. While we know this is disappointing to hockey fans, the health and wellbeing of our employees is our top priority."


The Growlers were set to play their first home game of the season on November 5th after starting 2021-22 with a four game road trip. How or where the upcoming home games will take place remains to be seen. There are no other details available on the accusations made against DSE staff.

"We will not provide details of the complaints. We ask the public to please be respectful of the privacy of the individuals involved," said the SJSEL release.

Related: MAPLE LEAFS COME UP WITH TEMPORARY SOLUTION AFTER ECHL AFFILIATE BOOTED FROM HOME ARENA

Source: StJohns.ca