Valley Keith’s under Digby ownership

The club has been purchased by three Digby men following a decision of former owner Steve Clayton to return to his focus on minor hockey development in Bridgetown.

The new owners are Danny Harvieux, facility manager at Digby Area Arena, co-worker Justin Wood, and Drew MacLean.

“It’s all done. It was approved by the league last Sunday [June 1],” said a relieved Harvieux during an interview at the arena.

He said Clayton told him three months ago he planned to sell the team and that there was an interested party in Middleton, but that Digby had first claim. Clayton started the team nine years ago and moved the team here two seasons ago after some successful exhibition games the previous year and declining support in its base at Bridgetown.

Clayton was recently elected a vice-president of the Nova Scotia Junior C league and says he staying on as a consultant with the Keith’s “because my heart and soul is there.

“I’m pretty happy about Danny and them, it’s like getting a new suit. I think its pretty exciting. They’re eager.”

The Valley team has been building stronger support here, helped in part by a developing rivalry with the Clare Lions.

“I went to Danny first because they were so good to me down there and the crowds were good,” said Clayton.

He expressed mild regret at leaving now because he’s heard that the coming year’s crop of players promises one of the best years for the Keith’s.

While the calibre of play should provide good hockey, Harvieux says the Keith’s team has also helped boost minor hockey in this area since it arrived, along with rink canteen sales and ice rentals.

Community support vial

“To make this work, we really need Digby’s support,” said Harvieux. He points out that the new owners are planning a season’s ticket campaign and are looking at marketing ideas like a fund-raising ball tournament, and a bar upstairs at the arena for a few select games.

“We’re really hoping to secure the all-star game for Digby,” said Harvieux, and there are ideas developing for something special during the Christmas break.

They also plan a hockey school in October to stir interest among the area’s minor hockey players.

Harvieux says the new owners hope to get more local players on the team.

“We’ve already contacted some local players and Chris Hersey is coming out. He’s a good backbone for the team,” he said.

Now the focus is also on finding a coach who can work with the young players who make up a Junior C team. The roster is limited to 21, including two goalies, and players are aged 16 to 20, with four spots open for 21-year-olds who have played before in the league.

Training camp in Kingston opens Sept. 9 and runs two nights a week for three weeks. The season has a 30-game schedule, evenly split between home and away games.

The website is www.valleykeiths.ca