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SYDNEY, N.S. — A little over a year has passed since Irwin Simon became majority owner of the Cape Breton Eagles.

And since that time, fans have witnessed a rebranding, new coaching staff and what Simon described as “seven-figures plus” investment in the team.

But while celebrating team successes in front of roughly 160 fans at the Centre 200 concourse on Saturday afternoon, Simon said much work lies ahead.

“We’re looking for a lot of money — whether it’s a clock, whether it’s boards, whether it’s glass, whether it’s a sound system, whether it’s the seats,” Simon said.

“There’s times our hands are tied here and it is frustrating.”

Simon purchased a 71 per cent stake in the Sydney franchise in late 2018. The team currently sits fifth out of 18 teams in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The team just set its fastest record for clinching a playoff spot.

Since moving Cape Breton in 1997, the Eagles have yet to win a championship and have only reached the semifinals twice.

“The number one question asked of me ‘You live in New York? (Why) the hell do you want to be involved in a team in Cape Breton?

“The more time I spend here, the more time I’m around the team, I’m convinced it’s one of the greatest ideas that I’ve ever had in life.”

But while congratulating team staff and players on its success, Simon also issued a plea to help expand its audience.

“The games when I get to watch, and I see this section empty and that section empty. You know, it’s not great to play to an empty stadium,” Simon told the crowd.

“Help us with ideas. Help us get fans in the stands because I tell you what, it’s great, great entertainment.”

Answering questions from the audience Simon touched on potential sponsorship of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality-owned Centre 200, comparing it to Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

“Nobody is going to put their name on it, whether it’s TD centre, whether it’s Rogers centre, right now with the condition this place is in. I wouldn’t ask them to do it unless there’s a commitment from our government.”

Fans in attendance raised concerns over the Centre 200 facility including its poor-quality sound system, a lack of safety railings for seniors, and disappointing concessions and merchandise services.

Simon said during Friday night’s game there were two MPs and two MLAs in attendance, along with CBRM Mayor Cecil Clarke, the commissioner of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and six NHL scouts.

“It shows you from a politician’s standpoint how committed they are for the Cape Breton Eagles to be a bigger part of this community; how important Centre 200 is to this community," said Simon.

"And there’s a lot that will happen in the off-season that we’re planning for.”

Simon said he spent more than an hour after Friday’s game bending the ear of government officials and met again with Clarke on Saturday morning.

The married father of four who grew up Glace Bay admitted to a fan that he also couldn’t hear a player tribute held over the weekend.

“I was embarrassed last night sitting there,” he said. “I promise you this here: nothing goes on deaf ears.”

Simon also touched on the pursuit of having the Memorial Cup tournament and the QMJHL draft on the island, but noted there’s a great deal of competition in Eastern Canada.

Following the discussion, Simon was asked about the timing of a January plea for improved game attendance by club president Gerard Shaw while the team was in the midst of an impressive win streak.

“I think some people read into it the wrong way,” Simon said.

“I think Gerard was expressing some of his frustrations there, but you know, the numbers speak for themselves. We’re not getting all the fans that we should be.”

As for his pledge to keep the Eagles in Sydney given recent concerns over team sustainability, Simon said he remains “100 per cent committed" to Cape Breton.

erin.pottie@cbpost.com