The SIJHL went through what most would call a very trying season in 2012-2013. Sioux Lookout went dark just a few games into the season and the Duluth Clydesdales were removed from the league just before the season ended.
Remaking the SIJHL schedule took place twice, and the league was able to keep things together to finish the season.
The Minnesota Wilderness have just captured the Dudley Hewit Cup, and are now headed to the Royal Bank Cup. This is a very positive outcome for the league that many questioned whether or not they would finish the season.
The SIJHL looked to be regrouping over the last few months with the return of Sioux Lookout for 2013, and a rumored expansion team in Ontario. All the while rumors were swirling that the Wilderness were trying to obtain an NAHL franchise.
It now looks as though the Wilderness have been successful in obtaining the NAHL franchise after several road blocks in negotiations were removed.
What now for the SIJHL?
With the Wilderness gone, the SIHJL is left with four active teams and the Sioux Lookout Flyers looking to come back. No word on the rumored expansion team has been heard recently, and TJHN sources are reporting that other teams are talking to other leagues.
A new league in the Mid Western United States has been trying to get off the ground and that league would allegedly place teams in former SIHJL locations. While the window would appear to be closing for this new league to get off the ground, the SIJHL has reason to be concerned.
With Hockey Canada and USA Hockey expansion deadlines in the rear view mirror now, the SIJHL may not be able to add a team for 2013-2014.
One more defection could cause the collapse of the SIJHL, and with so many teams looking for stability, the SIJHL needs to find some answers and find them quickly.
TJHN will update this story are it continues to develop.
