The well-regarded junior hockey team in Temiscaming, known as the Titans, is presently available for potential purchasers. Pascal Labranche, the sole proprietor of the team, has made the decision to divest the franchise after six years of ownership. Labranche, who has been involved with the Titans for over a decade, attributed his other business commitments as the rationale for offering the team for sale. In an interview with BayToday, Labranche conveyed his aspiration to pursue other interests, indicating that as the sole owner, the Titans demanded a substantial portion of his time, which he could no longer allocate.
The Titans, who have been established in Le Centre’ in Temiscaming for the past 13 years, have amassed a dedicated fan base and have achieved significant success, most notably securing the league championship in both 2022 and 2015. However, Labranche disclosed that the process of identifying a new owner has been arduous, with only one genuine inquiry thus far. Nonetheless, Labranche remains resolute in hand over the reins to a new group, underscoring that the team’s continuity is his utmost priority.
In light of the team’s uncertain future, former part-owner of the Titans, Denis Lacourse, has taken to social media to urge potential buyers to step forward and ensure the perpetuation of the Titans’ legacy. Lacourse expressed his optimism that someone will arise to uphold the tradition of the Titans and prevent the team from fading from the local sports arena.
Labranche has established a timeframe for identifying a buyer, aiming to conclude the sale by the end of April. Despite having fulfilled the league dues for the 2024-25 season, Labranche is open to taking a one-year hiatus if necessary to facilitate the transition to new ownership for the subsequent season. His principal concern remains maintaining the team in Temiscaming and guaranteeing that the community continues to have a local junior hockey team.
With the future of the Titans hanging in the balance, the onus is on prospective buyers to rescue the team from relocation or dissolution. The community’s backing of the Titans is palpable, and as the quest for a new owner persists, the aspiration endures that the Titans will endure as a beloved fixture in Temiscaming’s sports milieu for years to come.