The Oromocto Thrashers?

Following a dispute between the Village of Minto and the Thrashers over parking issues at the Minto Centennial Arena, the defending Southern Hockey League champions are setting up shop at the King’s Arrow Arena in Oromocto for the duration of the season.

“The Thrashers had advised the SHL executive they were in the process of finding a new venue after some disputes with the Village of Minto which has reportedly revoked arena privileges for the organization,” said SHL president Sheldon Currie. “ Grand Lake was able to secure ice time in Oromocto and we have granted approval for that move. We certainly feel for the loyal fans of the Thrashers, but we’re excited the Town of Oromocto has stepped in. It’s never easy to find ice at this time of year, but the Thrashers have worked out a deal that won’t affect the regular season.”

Oromocto’s first glimpse of the SHL will be a dandy.

The first venue change takes effect Saturday, Jan. 19, when the Thrashers host the Black’s Harbour Silverkings at 8 p.m. Both teams have been in a heated battle for first place all season. and this game will feature Oromocto native Nick Theriault in uniform for the Silverkings.

The other remaining games at King’s Arrow Arena are Jan. 24 at 7:15 p.m. against the Saint John Blackhawks. Saint John also visits the Model Town on Jan. 31 at 7:15 p.m.

Meanwhile, the SHL executive has been busy handing out fines and suspensions following last weekend’s action.

One of the league’s marquee players will sit two games.

Black’s Harbour defenceman Nick Theriault collected an unnecessary roughing penalty and game misconduct at 18:01 of the third period in a Jan. 6 game against the Hilltop Bud Lights of Fredericton.

After scoring a goal, Theriault lined up for the ensuing faceoff on his own blueline. During a Fredericton line change, according to the official’s report, a Hilltop player had a verbal exchange with a fan. At that time, Theriault proceeded to other side of the ice and punched the Fredericton player in the face.

“Mr. Theriault has enough skill to play a better thinking game than he has shown,” said SHL director of operations Randy Thomas. “His actions do not reflect well upon our individual teams or league.”

Fredericton co-coach Tony Grant received a one-game suspension for verbal abuse of an official during the same contest. Grant was tossed from the contest at the 5:39 mark of the third period.

Also, the Hilltop Bud Lights of Fredericton were fined $100 for not having the required 12 skaters in that contest. The club dressed 11 forwards and a goaltender.

Saint John’s Colin Brown was shelved two games for his actions in a game against the Nackawic Hawks on Jan. 4 for a stick incident. The penalty to Brown was assessed with no time left in the game after the official’s report indicated the Blackhawks’ player made a “two handed baseball type swing,” at Nackawic’s Ryan Paul, hitting the player on the shin.

Although Paul wasn’t injured on the play, the SHL took its stance.

“The league has given prior notice of how we cannot be tolerant with certain behaviours during play,” said Thomas.

Brown was handed a five minute major penalty for slashing and a game misconduct.