SIJHL looking to return to town

The Superior International Junior Hockey League will return to Fort Frances next season pending approval at a league meeting this Saturday. “It’s gonna happen, it’s as simple as that,” said Ron Whitehead, president and commissioner of the SIJHL. “I expect it to be passed with no difficulties.” The new franchise was purchased by Thunder Bay businesswoman Carolyn Kellaway. She refrained from divulging too many details, including staff and the new team name, saying she will wait to announce such details until next Saturday (June 16). Kellaway did confirm she does not have ties to Fort Frances, but said she was impressed with the town’s support of hockey on previous visits here. “We love the community, we really love the community,” she said. “We thought we could bring some hockey to the town, and with a little help from us and a lot of help from the community, we think we can have a successful team.” Wayne Strachan, current president of the Fort Frances Minor Hockey Association and a former head coach of the defunct Borderland Thunder, is rumoured to have been appointed coach of the new team. He admitted he has been approached by the new franchise, but that “in fairness to the ownership, and they would like to announce it properly, I will not make a statement at this time.” Whitehead, meanwhile, said arrangements have been made regarding use of ice in town, and that another team would bring some extra clout and reputation to the SIJHL. “I know we’re all very excited about having Fort Frances back,” he added. The Couchiching-owned Thunder were an original team in the SIJHL but folded after the 2003/04 season in hopes of eventually joining the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.