Chris Lowrey
SHAWVILLE June 20, 2018
The recently announced Shawville senior hockey team might not even make it on the ice in the fall.
Nick St. Laurent, league organizer, said that a lack of sponsorships and a lead volunteer for the team could sink the Pontiacs before the season even starts.
The team is supposed to play in the Outaouais Senior A Hockey League (OSAHL) which will start its first season this fall.
The league already has eight teams confirmed to play this season as well as two more tentative entries.
Maniwaki, Mont Laurier, Ottawa, Orleans, Cornwall, Maxville, Cardinal and Fort Coulonge already have teams confirmed to play this season.
St. Laurent said it’s been difficult finding sponsors to help the team financially.

The team needs to make a $500 non-refundable payment to the OSAHL by June 29 in order to secure a spot. Another payment of $1,500, which is refundable until Aug. 1, is due two weeks later.
The $2,000 total would cover the costs associated with referees and insurance for the team.
St. Laurent said he wants someone local to take on the responsibility of finding sponsorships for the team. His plan was to potentially shadow whoever took the reigns, show them the ropes and then hand control of the team to that person.
“I still think Shawville would be a great place for senior hockey,” St. Laurent said. “But we need sponsors to show that there is interest.”
St. Laurent said even one or two sponsors could get the ball rolling.
Although a number of people from the community have come forward to help, he says time is running out and there needs to be a lead on the project.
“I can shadow them but it would need to be someone local from Shawville,” St. Laurent said.
Even if Shawville can’t get a team in time for this year, St. Laurent said that next season is always an option.
“It may not happen this year, but if people see the products in Fort Coulonge and like it, it could happen next year,” he said.
Anyone interested in helping out can contact Nick St. Laurent at 819-360-4423.