The Hanover Tache Junior Hockey League has grown to 10 teams.
The Grunthal Red Wings, Mitchell Mustangs and Ste. Anne Aces were officially added to the league at the HTJHL meeting Monday night in Niverville.
The Red Wings, Mustangs and Aces join the defending champion Steinbach Huskies, Springfield Xtreme, Red River Mudbugs, Niverville Clippers, Landmark Blues, Macdonald Swarm and East St. Paul Gators.
The Lorette Comets, who won the league championship thanks a dramatic game seven double overtime win over the Xtreme in the spring of 2022, have taken a leave of absence.
The HTJHL’s upcoming 38th season marks the first time the league has operated with 10 teams since 2011-2012.
Mitchell took a leave of absence after the 2018-19 season while Grunthal did not return after the COVID shorted 2020-21 season. Ste. Anne played in the league from 1991-2007.
The 10 teams have been divided into two divisions. Steinbach, Mitchell. Ste. Anne, East St. Paul and Springfield will play in one division while Niverville, Red River, Macdonald, Landmark and Grunthal will play in the other.
Teams will play a 26-game schedule that is expected to start in mid-October.
The HTJHL’s first Showcase involving all 10 teams will be held Sunday, October 20th in Niverville.
Clayton Dreger asked Hanover Tache Junior Hockey League president Darrell Lupky to comment on Monday's league meeting