Dario Zulich, CEO of TESC, partner in Zulich Enterprises and the True North Strong Event Centre proposal, officially announced Tuesday his purchase of the Sudbury Wolves.
In July, Zulich purchased 100 per cent of the franchise from the Burgess and Edwards families for a reported $11 million. The Board of Governors of the Ontario Hockey League approved the sale to Zulich on Aug. 18.
“As a proud Sudburian born and raised, I have seen first-hand how important the Wolves are to our community throughout their 45-year history in the OHL,” Zulich said in a news release. “While the team belongs to the people of our great city, I am honoured and excited to be assuming this role in the community.
“I would like to thank my wife and family, my brothers, and all who have helped bring this dream to reality. I would also like to thank the previous owners of the Sudbury Wolves who have led the team for the past 45 years while establishing it as a leading developer of junior hockey talent in Canada.”
“Our objective moving forward is clear,” Zulich added. “The Wolves organization will become a model OHL franchise and a preferred destination for aspiring young hockey players.
“We want our players to learn the game, improve their skills, develop as young men and become outstanding members of our community. I can’t wait to get started. We are eager for a new era of Wolves hockey.”
The Sudbury Wolves have been a member of the OHL since 1972. The late Ken Burgess purchased the franchise in 1986 and the family has owned the team ever since.
Zulich has been the CEO of TESC Consulting Company Ltd., a heavy industrial multi-disciplined contracting firm, for the past 16 years.
He recently purchased the Sudbury water tower on Pearl Street with the intent to preserve and develop the iconic local landmark. He and two partners have proposed a public-private partnership project known locally as True North Strong to develop a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose, world-class event centre in Greater Sudbury.
Training camp for the Wolves opens Sept. 1. The first regular season game takes place Sept. 23 at Sudbury Arena. Schedule and ticket information is available at www.sudburywolves.com and ticket inquiries can be made at 705.675.3941.
