FRIDAY
KEYSTONE CUP UNDERWAY
APRIL 18, 2014
Pilots hosting Western Canada championship A15
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What next for arena? American management exodus; hockey unlikely for next year
Alex BUTLER Abbotsford News
Days after the announcement that the Abbotsford Heat will be leaving the city – for a $5.5-million contract payout – more changes are in the works for the former Abbotsford
Entertainment and Sports Centre (AESC). Sources indicate the facility’s operating company, Global Spectrum, will move its American staff back to the U.S. Both general manager Jason Blumenfeld and assistant general manager Jacque Holowaty are from the States.
Dean Clarke, regional vice-president for the Philadelphia-based company, said that as the company looks for ways to cut costs, the “repatriation of Americans is certainly an option and will save us some of our indirect costs.” Continued on A5
BACKPACK BOOST
Three fires suspicious
A7 Local company provides funding for another 12 children in weekend food program
Vikki HOPES
CHARGES IN STABBING
Abbotsford News
Abbotsford Police are troubled by three suspicious fires that occurred within hours of each other on Wednesday. Const. Ian MacDonald said investigators have not determined whether the fires are linked, but their proximity and the time frame has raised concerns. The heaviest damage occurred to an abandoned home and garage in the 32000 block of Hillcrest Avenue. Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service crews were called to the scene at about 3 a.m. and quickly put out the flames, but there was extensive damage. There are several vacant homes in that area which are scheduled for demolition. A second fire was reported at 4:25 a.m. in the 32300 block of Marshall Road at the Red Apple Food Store, which has some residential suites. A resident of the building awoke, heard some noise and spotted the fire, which had begun at the outside rear of the structure. There was some damage, but none of the seven occupants were injured. A third fire was discovered when employees arrived at work at a bank in the 2500 block of Clearbrook Road. MacDonald said the fire had started in an outside covered area but didn’t spread, and caused minimal damage. Anyone with information is asked to call the APD at 604-859-5225. MAZDA 3
A6 Man faces attempted murder count after attack on former partner
NON-LETHAL TAKEDOWN A6 Officers deal with knife-wielding distraught man in downtown area
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85¢ A fire on Hillcrest Avenue is among three suspicious blazes that occurred on Wednesday morning and is under KEVIN MACDONALD Abbotsford News investigation.
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THOUGHT HOUGHT OF THE DAY
Map Quest or Google Maps really need to start their directions on # 5. I’m pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.