Espoo United announced bankruptcy

On Wednesday afternoon (25th April) Espoo United announced of its bankruptcy. Franchise owner Jussi Salonoja reclaimed his old franchise Espoo Blues after its bankruptcy. The plan was to try one more time to create a successful ice hockey organization to Espoo. Now after two years it is time to rise hand and admit that it did not happen. All the time the plan was not to use his own money but to find outside sponsors and attract enough spectators. The spectator average on the season 2017-2018 was roughly 220 spectator per game, which was the second lowest in Mestis. Also Salonoja failed to attract any major sponsors which would have covered the expenses.

On Friday the license committee announced that Espoo United will not be granted a licence to play either 2nd (Mestis) or 3rd level (Suomi-sarja). It is possible, yet not confirmed, that Kiekko-Espoo registered association will build a men's team which would start on either 3rd or 2nd division. 

Espoo United also had a Basketball team in the Finnish Basketball league. Also that will now be closed. Espoo United gave up women's teams in both ice hockey and basketball already after previous season.

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