LEWISTON (WGME) – Lewiston’s hockey team is looking for a new home.
The Maine Nordiques do not have a lease to play at the Colisée next season.
The building has been up for sale since last June.
Lewiston Director of Economic and Community Development Nate Libby is optimistic a deal will be reached soon.
“We’re optimistic that a deal can be made. The Colisée is an important asset to the city of Lewiston, and the city is optimistic that operations can continue there,” Libby said.
The Colisée opened in Lewiston nearly 70 years ago. It has a capacity of about 3,000 people. It was the site of Muhammad Ali’s famous phantom punch in 1965. To this day, the Colisée hosts entertainment events, including Maine Nordiques home games.
According to head coach and general manager Nick Skerlick, the team’s lease to play in the Colisée has ended, and they are considering alternate options in Lewiston and Auburn.
“The Nordiques need the town and community behind the team which they have been for six years,” Skerlick said. “We have heavy momentum pushing forward and wherever we call home in the Lewiston/Auburn area.”
If the team does not return to the Colisée, Mayor Carl Sheline doesn’t know where else the team could play if they stay in Lewiston.
“The Colisée is our only sheet of ice in town. I support businesses, I support properties being purchased, but we really need this to stay a sheet of ice,” Sheline said.
Team and city officials are all hopeful the Nordiques can stay local, so Lewiston hockey fans can cheer on their team in their city.
“Lewiston is a hockey town. Hockey is important to Lewiston. People have playing hockey here since the beginning,” Sheline said.
The North American Hockey League season typically begins in early September, giving the Nordiques until then to find their new home.