Windsor Aces players denied entry into Canada
Players from Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia trying to resolve paperwork
It turns out the first people to stop the new Windsor Aces from scoring were Canadian immigration officers.
Windsor’s newest hockey team — the Windsor Aces of the Greater Metro Hockey League — cancelled their inaugural game Saturday night because four European players were denied entry into Canada.
“I’m not sure if the players were misinformed or what,” Joe Byrne Jr., the team’s owner, head coach and general manager said Saturday. “We had a guy waiting at the airport for them and nothing happened.”
No problems occurred at the Windsor-Detroit border.
But two players from Belarus, one from Russia and one from Kazakhstan flying into Toronto were turned back because they did not have proper paperwork.
Nevertheless, Byrne hopes to resolve the issue soon.
“I might have it turned around already,” he said.
“We just ran into deadlines with getting guys player cards.
“But I have some American kids on their way up right now and a kid from Norway we’re working on. It’s just a matter of when they can get to Windsor.”
Byrne said two players from Ukraine are already in town and that he managed to trade for a German prospect.
Windsor Aces management did not have as much luck as hoped signing local talent, though he figures that will change when the team becomes more known.
For now, Byrne said he likes the look of the staff and players on the Junior A hockey team, a notch down from the Major Junior level of the Ontario Hockey League, in which the Windsor Spitfires play.
“Things are looking up and up,” he said of his squad, which includes players aged 16 to 21. “It’s good hockey.” The missed Saturday night game won’t even affect the Aces’ standing in the 23-team GMHL, since the Kingsville Kings — who they were scheduled to play — agreed to simply reschedule the match.
So the first Windsor Aces home game at Adie Knox Arena will now be 7:30 p.m., Sept. 30.
Tickets range from $3 to $8.
I might have it turned around already. We just ran into deadlines with getting guys player cards.