This is in response to the story (March 7) about the Junior Pirates hockey organization coming to the Lewiston Colisee.

I think it was a very poor business decision on the part of the Pirates and MHG. They should have contacted board members of Lewiston Area Youth Hockey League to express their intentions and work out a deal where the Junior Pirates could bring in their AAA level hockey teams and co-exist with LAYHL Gladiator/Travel/House teams.

It was stated that the Pirates purchased all ice time for the 2012-2013 season. I don’t think they can thrive without having most LAYHL members joining their organization.

Do they realize how long LAYHL has been around and supported the youth hockey players in this area? And now they expect all the local families here to join their programs. At what cost? They wouldn’t say, but they specifically stated it will be an increase. And I have a feeling that to pay for all the ice time they purchased, it will be a significant increase.

I hope the LAYHL members fight back and continue with their organization, maybe join forces with Auburn and go back to how the league originally started — Lewiston-Auburn Youth Hockey League. They can utilize the Auburn rink, Bates College and Hebron Academy.

Let’s see if the Pirates can survive at the Colisee without LAYHL bowing to them.

Mike Langelier, Lewiston