Northern communities fighting to save U18 AAA hockey

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This article was published 09/02/2024 (528 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba’s U18 AAA league could be a few teams smaller in the future.

While rumours grow the league is considering contracting teams, communities in the affected areas have written letters of support to save the Norman Northstars program.

The U18 league in Manitoba consists of 12 teams, including in Kenora and Thompson. The Eastman Selects play out of Beausejour.

Communities from across northern Manitoba have written letters to the U18 AAA league asking them to keep the program running.

In a statement shared on Twitter, the league said they had formed a committee in December of 2022 to analyze “competitiveness,” and “equity in team formation.”

“We have worked diligently to review historical data, regional registration numbers, and AAA models across Canada,” the post reads.

Minor hockey associations from Thompson, Flin Flon and other communities have shared letters they have sent to the executive on social media. Local municipalities have also penned letters of support.

Swan River’s Michael Ferland, who plays for the Vancouver Canucks, lent his voice to the cause in an Instagram post on the U15 Northstars page.

“This team is an integral part of hockey for Northern Manitoba and Indigenous hockey athletes,” he wrote.

“They are a stepping stone for many to have an opportunity to play that they otherwise wouldn’t have if the teams were only in the south.”

The OCN Blizzard of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League and various teams from the junior B Keystone Junior Hockey League have also voiced their concerns the program would be contracted.