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It was announced that the arena, known as BIA, will host the Stateline Whalers of the Federal Hockey League (FHL) for the 2015-16 season.
“Brewster is a fantastic location for our league,” Barry Sorkin said in a statement. “We wanted to keep a team in the New York-Connecticut market and this fits our footprint. This is a hockey community and the fans have given us a great response.”
Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell, whose office announced the team's arrival, argued that it will be an economic benefit to the area.
“Having the Stateline Whalers here in Brewster is very exciting for Putnam County and the benefits of a minor league team in the area are priceless.” Odell said in a statement. “It will boost economic development, create jobs, increase tourism in the county and heighten an already strong sense of community.”
Steve Santini, BIA's owner, touted the news in a statement
“We are committed to this team and are eagerly looking forward to this season and hosting a professional hockey league,” he said. “We are in the process of exploring future seating options and envision an increase in the seating capacity with approval from the town.”
Don Kirman, FHL's commissioner, also praised the change in a statement.
“I have known Steve Santini and his for family for a number of years,” he said. “He is a fantastic operator. This is a hockey first facility which we love. We have found a jewel in Putnam County.”
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