THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. – The Superior International Junior Hockey League is down to seven teams again.
The Thief River Falls Norskies, which suspended operations last season, has announced it will take a pass on the 2022-23 campaign and explore options to bring a new hockey league to the community the following season.
“I would like to thank the community of Thief River Falls, our partners at the city and VenuWorks for their unwavering support of the Norskies,” team co-owner Dave Beito said in a Facebook post. “We are actively pursuing new opportunities and look forward to bringing hockey back to Thief River Falls in the 2023-24 season.”
The team struggled to build a lineup last year and was hampered by cross-border restrictions and vaccination requirements.
The SIJHL will welcome the Sioux Lookout Bombers into the loop this coming season, leaving the league with seven franchises.
Other teams include the Thunder Bay North Stars, the Kam River Fighting Walleye, the Red Lake Miners, the Dryden Ice Dogs, the Fort Frances Lakers and the Wisconsin Lumberjacks.
