The Superior International Junior Hockey League will be one team short this coming season.
The league has granted the Minnesota Iron Rangers a one year break.
Commissioner Bryan Graham says the move will allow a new ownership group clear up some issues including an arena lease with a community in the Iron Range district.
The team had been playing in Hoyt Lakes.
The players are now free agents who can sign with any team in the Canadian Junior Hockey League.
It’s been a tumultuous three years for the Iron Rangers, with 16 regular season wins in three years, and a declining fan base.
Graham says “The SIJHL would like to thank the community of Hoyt Lakes, the team’s board of directors, the many volunteers, head coach/general manager Todd Kreibich and arena manager Wayde West for all of their dedicated efforts on behalf of the Iron Rangers franchise.”
“We’d also thank the fans, billet families and corporate sponsors for their considerable contributions as well.”
The SIJHL will return as a six team league with the addition of the Wisconsin Lumberjacks.
