KENORA — A new junior A hockey team planning to kick off its inaugural campaign this season will get some home ice.
The City of Kenora on Friday announced that it has concluded its annual ice allocation, and has changed course by allowing the Kenora Islanders to be included in the calendar.
The city had previously said in April the Superior International Junior Hockey League franchise would not be granted ice time for this season, following concerns raised by other user groups, which led to the team exploring options to play outside of Kenora. The team has mentioned Vermilion Bay as a potential host community.
In the announcement, the city said the Islanders have shifted their operating model and reduced their initial request for ice time.
The city said the team will have practice time during a morning window on Monday through Thursdays, and would play some preseason games. The city said the team may have the opportunity to play some games later in the season at the Moncrief Sports Centre in Kenora.
"It is important to note that no ice groups will be getting bumped or moved due to games, or the Islanders practice times," a city statement said. "All decisions and considerations were in accordance with the city's existing ice allocation policy."
