Third Time’s a Charm in Nicolet?

Since evolving to its current form in 2016, the LHSAAAQ has had several constants, including the movement of teams in and out of Nicolet. The Condor existed for two seasons, followed by REEQ for three more, and now BSR is coming to the close of its first. What is the attraction, what has changed, and will the 3^rd time be the one that brings it all together are questions worth looking into.

Nicolet is one of the league’s small markets. Located on the South Shore of the Saint Lawerence River, 10 miles from Trois-Rivieres, Nicolet is home to just over ten thousand people. Its home ice, Pierre Provencher Arena, has a capacity of just 750 spectators. The size factors make it difficult to generate profit, but the location makes it an ideal fit for the league. With the majority of teams located along, or within striking distance to, the Saint Lawrence River, Nicolet is close to being the geographic center of the league. Currently only three teams are more than a two hour drive from Nicolet.

Like the town, the arena is one of the smaller ones in the league, but convenience makes it a good deal. When the Condor arrived in 2018 the owners cited upgrades as well as better scheduling than in previous Single A (Ligue Maurice) Days.  Working with the local youth hockey program, the Condor were able to get the desired time slot on Friday and Saturday nights. Facility upgrades and prime time scheduling wouldn’t be enough though, as the team cited financial losses as reasons to relocate at the end of the 2019-20 Season. 

The Condor relocated to Saint-Hyacinthe with the idea of larger market success. The 2020 Covid shutdown and ensuing low turnout in 2021-22 brought an end to the Saint-Hyacinthe venture. The team was sold and relocated back to Nicolet for the 2022-23 season.

Nicolete AAA version 2.0 would get a big boost in the form of title sponsorship. Insulation company REEQ would become the name of the team, providing a much needed influx of cash. Still, history would repeat itself with the team leaving for a large market option. REEQ was sold and relocated to Trois-Rivieres in March of 2025.    

Unlike the previous departure, there would be no lost season. The La Tuque Wolves would be sold at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season as well. The new owner quickly set down roots in Nicolet in time for the draft and a full Summer of planning. The new team came with a new title sponsor- industrial painting company BSR. The BSR ownership group includes two of the previous (REEQ) owners; so while the REEQ formula wasn’t the perfect fit, we can assume it wasn’t far off. 

Attendance is rarely included in game sheets but, with the league’s new streaming provider, it can be seen as “light” compared to other small markets in Bellechasse and Plessisville. Still, previous articles stated that sellouts would not be necessary to fill the financial gap. A referenced 10% increase from the REEQ days would put the team in the comfort zone. 

The current team is nearing the end of its first campaign with no rumblings of trouble. Whether or not the team has achieved the increase in attendance or found another revenue source is yet to be discussed. With BSR clipping along in the middle of the Western Division, the only chatter is about playoff positioning, which is a good discussion to be in.