Sioux Lookout Mayor Doug Lawrance is thrilled to hear junior hockey is returning to the community in 2022 with an SIJHL expansion team.
“This is the kind of thing that people are just itching to be able to do. To get out and get to the arena, get to come places, and to cheer on your team will be fantastic.”
Lawrance says there’s real enthusiasm for the game of hockey, the rink, and the love of the game in Sioux Lookout.
He says this is a big moment for the community and stresses this will be a homegrown organization.
“Opportunities for local people and players, whether it be players, referees. (For residents) to get involved in the game in management, in coaching, just helping out at the rink, sales, and logos and marketing.”
He adds having a junior hockey team is big for the economy as it creates more opportunities at the arena and rec centre as well as local businesses.
Lawrance was involved with the original Flyers before the SIJHL team folded after in 2012.
“It was very popular before. I anticipate this is going to be even more so.”
It will add to the vibrancy and the richness of the Town and really fill a need. I just remember the enthusiasm in so many different sectors of people, a real fan base, where it was something, some of the kids and others could really look forward to, a local team to get out to and see live.”
The expansion team has been approved by the SIJHL Board of Governors but still needs Hockey Northwestern Ontario approval.
