Hockey Manitoba reverses Ste Anne Aces decision – SEMHL removes team from league
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The Ste Anne Aces will not be playing hockey in the South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League this season.
The Aces appealed their ejection this summer from the league to Hockey Manitoba, and although the governing body initially ruled in the team’s favour, the league announced Hockey Manitoba were reversing their decision Sept 2.
“The decision to remove the Aces was made in accordance with the SEMHL’s Constitution, By-Laws, and Regulations and remains a private league matter,” an emailed statement from commissioner Tom Vatrt on behalf of SEMHL members reads.
“For 74 years, the SEMHL has upheld strict codes of conduct and a longstanding tradition of gentlemanly behavior and remains committed to protecting the integrity of the league.”
The league added they consider the matter closed.
Hockey Manitoba’s decision to reverse the appeal came down to improper procedure. The league’s by-laws set out a right to appeal any decision to the SEMHL itself, with the Aces direct appeal to Hockey Manitoba ruled premature.
In an explanation from Hockey Manitoba sent to the Aces Aug. 23, the governing body took responsibility for the error, returning Ste Anne’s appeal bond and setting out what next steps the team can take, including an appeal to Hockey Canada.
The league appeal took place, with the SEMHL standing by their original decision to kick the Aces out of the league.