Arena reno delays push St Malo Warriors to St Jean

If the two-time defending champion St Malo Warriors home to add another Capital Region Junior Hockey League banner to their rink, they’ll need to do it in someone else’s home.

The Warriors announced on social media Dec. 13 they would need to play the rest of their season outside of the St Malo Arena, as ongoing construction will continue for the rest of this hockey season.

“While this is not the situation anyone hoped for, the St Malo Warriors remain committed to defending our back-to-back championships by adding a third straight league championship,” the post reads.

“The Warriors will play the majority of their home games in St Jean Baptiste, with additional home stops in Grunthal, Rosenort and St Agathe.”

St Malo scheduled all of their road games for the first half of the season, anticipating construction to be completed by the new year.

Despite playing all their games on the road and struggling to find consistent practice ice, the team is currently second in the CRJHL in winning percentage.

Ralph Collette, the Warriors head coach and general manager, reported a strong fan turn out for the team’s home opener in St Jean Dec. 14, as they played the rival La Broquerie Habs. Collette added the team is not planning for a return to St Malo even for the playoffs.

“We look forward to hosting exciting junior B hockey throughout the region region and can’t wait to see you at the rink,” the post reads.

The Warriors will be in St Agathe for a game Dec. 21.