Two teams are rejoining the North Peace Hockey League for the 2017/2018 season. Both the High Prairie Regals and the Manning Comets sat out the past year due to difficulties finding players and sponsorship.
The Regals had only been back in the league for one season, after taking two seasons off. That was the first time they hadn’t iced a team since they were formed in 1957.
Their return in 2015/2016 didn’t work out for them, as they posted a 0-24 record. They folded just a few hours before their first game last season and were voted back in unanimously at the NPHL’s fall meeting Wednesday.
According to the draft minutes, Allan Lamouche with the Regals says this year they have more players and are confident they can ice a team. Their proposed roster includes several graduating midgets and players that were on Valleyview and Falher’s teams last year. Both of those teams have said they would release anyone wanting to return to High Prairie.
Manning decided to treat the 2016/2017 season as a rebuilding year, and was granted a year’s absence. They were also welcomed back at Wednesday’s meeting.
The additions mean the league has grown to nine teams that will play a 22 game season. The Hythe Mustangs remain on hiatus, along with the Lakeland Eagles, who were denied a return to the NPHL in April 2016.