LEWISTON – Don’t count out the Androscoggin Bank Colisee just yet.

Even if the Lewiston Maineiacs make their intentions known by midnight tonight that they want to make this their last season in Lewiston, the rink itself is far from in trouble because of the news.

“The impact would be more on the community,” said Jim Cain, president of Firland Management. “Obviously, with 30-something event days and practice ice and certainly as a tenant, we would have to find a way, if they decided they were going to leave, to replace that.”

Hockey is Firland’s primary focus, choosing to concentrate its energies not just on the Maineiacs, but on youth hockey and other ice-related events.

That doesn’t mean another strong anchor tenant isn’t a possibility. In fact, it’s a necessity.

“There are a variety of options at the junior level,” Cain said. “Obviously, if the Maineiacs leave, the opportunity of getting another team in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League is probably not that great. There are a variety of other leagues that are U.S.-based, the Eastern Junior Hockey League, for example, the Empire League, those kinds of leagues.”

Asked if another team at the Colisee was a primary goal for him, Cain replied, “Absolutely.”

He reiterated his plan to add a second sheet of ice to the complex, saying that it would help youth hockey and would add viability to potentially hosting tournaments.

“With one sheet of ice, the ability to hold tournaments is a little bit marginal,” Cain said. “But if we can get our arms around the notion of adding another sheet of ice, then it would be a very attractive venue, given its location, to hold hockey tournaments.”

But, Cain pointed out, everything remains speculative – for now.

“Until some decision is made, it would be fruitless to pursue something,” Cain said. “I’m just going to sit tight and wait and see what happens.”