Portage Islanders leave SEMHL for a season

There will be one fewer team playing in the South East Manitoba Hockey League this season.

The league announced the Portage Islanders will be taking a one-year leave of absence this season, setting up an eight-team loop for the SEMHL’s 75th anniversary season.

The Springfield Winterhawks based out of Oakbank, Ile des Chenes North Stars and Red River Wild based out of St Jean, are all returning to play in the league.

A league meeting earlier in September also set out the schedule and playoff format for the upcoming season. Teams will play a 17-game regular season with all eight franchises playing in the first round of the playoffs.

Last season the Winkler Royals claimed the league championship over Ile des Chenes and went on to win the provincial championship against Killarney.