$6 million for Windsor Spitfires (en francais)

Long rumoured and finally here. Peter Dobrich, Warren Rychel and Bob Boughner take over the team 7 days after the end of this season. While current owner Steve Riolo's purchase of the team kept it in Windsor, his ownership over the last 18 years has been a OHL version of Harold Ballard, without the profitability.

Now all we need is a new arena. Most locals are hoping the trio can do for Windsor hockey what Mark and Dale Hunter have done for London.

Owners flush with cash
New arena not dead issue, says Mayor Eddie Francis

Jim Parker, Windsor Star
Published: Tuesday, February 14, 2006

The Windsor Spitfires' new owners say the team can be a successful business as well as a winning hockey club.

Pete Dobrich, one of the Spitfires' ownership group that includes current NHLer Bob Boughner and former NHLer Warren Rychel, said Monday that despite the $5-million to $6-million price tag, the new owners won't be short of working capital.

"They're hockey guys, but they're also dollars and cents guys," Dobrich said in an interview after a news conference to announce the team's purchase from longtime owner Steve Riolo.

Dobrich, 37, acknowledged the team did not come cheap. At more than $5 million, it's one of the highest prices paid for an Ontario Hockey League franchise.

In recent OHL transactions, Oshawa was sold for $3.8 million in 2004, Belleville for $3.5 million in 2004 and North Bay, which moved to Saginaw, Mich., in 2002, for $3 million.

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