The Red Deer AA Rustlers have informed league executives of their un-expected plans to fold prior to the start of the North Central Hockey League (NCHL) season.
"There had been some rumblings that the Rustlers had some problems, yet there was no indication at the league's fall meeting back on September 8th," stated a league news release. "The main reasons given for their sudden demise were due to financial support and the loss of their core players."
The Rustlers are planning to apply to re-enter the league next season.
The teams will now play a 16-game regular season with the top 8 teams qualifying for the playoffs.
There are no changes to the schedule, other than dropping the games that were to be played against the Rustlers.
The NCHL will kick start it's 30th regular season this weekend with a couple of games.
On Friday, Westlock travels down to Camrose to take on the Bruins. Then on Saturday, the Bruins head west to continue their rivalry with the hometown Wetaskiwin Longhorns.
The Lacombe Generals play their first game Friday, October 11 at home against the Westlock Warriors.
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