The Kane County Cougars faced an unfortunate setback in Winnipeg this week. After a successful game against the Winnipeg Goldeyes, the team’s charter bus was deliberately set on fire early Thursday morning.
Fire Incident Details
The incident occurred around 2 a.m. in a parking lot across from Blue Cross Park, according to local police. They reported that two suspects were apprehended at the scene. Fortunately, nobody was injured in the blaze.
Arson Charges and Investigation
Investigators soon determined that the fire was intentional. A 15-year-old girl has been charged with arson-related offenses after the investigation. Fire crews managed to extinguish the flames quickly, but the bus was completely destroyed.
Impact on the Kane County Cougars
The charter bus in question was owned by Windstar Lines, a company from Carroll, Iowa. It was utilized for the Cougars’ road trip that included stops in Winnipeg and Fargo, North Dakota. The vehicle was valued at approximately $425,000 USD (around $585,000 CAD).
Curtis Haug, the team’s vice-president and general manager, expressed relief that no one was hurt. He mentioned the ongoing assessment of whether any team gear or personal belongings were lost in the fire.
Response from Windstar Lines
Jackson Greteman, operations manager at Windstar, expressed disappointment over the incident, highlighting the negative impact on their family-owned business. He confirmed that the company was cooperating with local authorities following this reckless act.
Upcoming Games and Travel Arrangements
The Cougars were in Winnipeg for a three-game series against the Goldeyes, having won the opening match 14-2 but lost the following game 3-2. They are scheduled to play another series in Fargo starting this Friday.
- Incident Time: Around 2 a.m.
- Location: Parking lot near Blue Cross Park in Winnipeg
- Damage: Charter bus valued at $425,000 USD destroyed
- Arrests: Two teenagers taken into custody
- Team Games: Scheduled for Fargo after Winnipeg series
Thanks to the cooperation with Andrew Collier, the Goldeyes GM, the Cougars have arranged alternative transportation to complete their trip. Windstar will send a replacement bus to Fargo, ensuring the team can continue their season without further delays.
