While the Duluth Clydesdales are certainly gone, it looks as though Sioux Lookout Flyers will return to the SIJHL for the 2013-2014 season. Sources are indicating that the league has assured the Flyers that they are welcome back.
While the Flyers will be back, the Minnesota Wilderness is in limbo. TJHN has learned that the Wilderness were initially approved to become members of the NAHL, but have since had that approval revoked. Several different versions of why the revocation was made earlier this week are circulating, wbile none of them make complete sense. What ever happened it was serious enough for the NAHL to change their minds. The Wilderness are said to be attempting to correct the problem and enter the NAHL.
The Minnesota Iron Rangers are for sale. While the Iron Rangers played very well at times, the family owned team, could not put it all together off the ice. Offers for the franchise are being made and it looks as though they will be nder new ownership shortly.
The SIJHL is aso rumored to be expanding by one team located in Ontario. While TJHN has not been able to obtain the proposed location of this team, it would make sense to add a team to replace the lost franchise in Duluth.
Any rumor of a proposed merger with the NOJHL is said to be off the table at this point. While some stability ay be gained over the summer with a sale and the addition of a new franchise, the Wilderness situation s worth watching to see how it effects the league moving forward.
Given the relationship between the NOJHL and SIJHL, many are saying that the exhibition series played between the two leagues is likely to be expanded ths year. This would make sense for both leagues as the additional opponents will help both to market special game nights.
