The Superior International Junior Hockey League is returning to Sioux Lookout.
The Board of Governors has announced unanimous approval of a franchise to begin play in the 2022-2023 season.
The ownership group is made up of Matt Cairns, Austen Hoey, Joe Cassidy and Christine Hoey.
Commissioner Darrin Nicholas says, “Their energy and attention to detail throughout the whole process easily instilled confidence with our Governors that they were more than capable franchisees.”
Sioux Lookout had a team in 2008 but folded in 2012.
Nicholas says the application was made by the right people, in the right location, who were looking to join the league for the right reasons.
He notes Sioux Lookout has always been a community that they thought made sense for an SIJHL team given its central location and community spirit.
“The league would like to firstly acknowledge and thank Sioux Lookout Mayor Douglas Lawrance and Chief Administrative Officer Michele Larose for recognizing the value of the opportunity to bring SIJHL hockey back to Sioux Lookout,” said league commissioner Darrin Nicholas.
Nicholas continued, “Shortly after the league’s initial outreach, the enthusiasm for the project became apparent. An outstanding group of individuals with deep ties to not only the hockey community but the community at large was quickly identified who in short order were able to evaluate, determine the viability of the venture and establish the early momentum to put a Junior A team in their arena.”
The new SIJHL team still needs Hockey Northwestern Ontario approval.
Sioux Lookout joins the Dryden GM Ice Dogs, Red Lake Miners, Fort Frances Lakers, Thunder Bay North Stars, Kam River Fighting Walleye, Thief River Falls Norskies, and Wisconsin Lumberjacks.
