The divisional battles between the Raiders and ICE were hard fought and at times vicious. (Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Rob Mahon

Winnipeg ICE Relocate

Raiders division rival ICE relocating to Washington

Jun 16, 2023 | 11:52 AM

The Western Hockey League’s (WHL) East Division, which includes the Prince Albert Raiders, is going to look a lot different next season.

The WHL announced today the Winnipeg ICE will be relocating to Wenatchee, Washington after just four years in Manitoba. The news comes after speculation about the future of the club due to a stagnant arena situation.

“The sale and relocation of the Winnipeg franchise has received the approval of the WHL Board of Governors and is effective immediately,” said the WHL in a release. “Wenatchee becomes the sixth U.S.-based WHL team and will join the WHL’s U.S. Division and Western Conference for the 2023-24 season. The relocation to Wenatchee will allow the WHL to balance its Western and Eastern Conferences with 11 member clubs in each conference starting next season.”

The ICE had a run of on-ice success in Winnipeg, highlighted by a trip to the WHL finals this past season. They were 1^st place in the Eastern Conference in each of the last two seasons, losing to the eventual WHL champion both times.

“Unfortunately, multiple attempts by the ICE ownership to construct an arena facility of acceptable WHL standards in Winnipeg based on the agreed upon timeframes were unsuccessful, leading to the relocation to Wenatchee,” the release said.

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The ICE also built up quite a familiarity with the Raiders during that time. In particular, during the 2021-22 season where all games were kept in-conference due to COVID-19, the ICE and Raiders faced off eight times during the regular season, with the Raiders finishing 3-4-1. The two teams would meet again in the first round of the WHL playoffs with the ICE prevailing in five games.

The following season, the ICE and Raiders met six more times in a more traditional WHL season complete with interconference play. They would’ve met six times in the 2023-24 season as well.

“The ICE would like to thank the fans, players, staff, billets, community, and business partners for their support and engagement with the team,” said the ICE in a release of their own. “In addition, the ICE express thanks and gratitude to Shaftesbury High School and the University of Manitoba for their partnership over the last 4 years.”

When Winnipeg first moved to the East Division in 2019, the Swift Current Broncos were moved to the Central Division to compensate for the move. The league has not yet confirmed whether the Broncos will return to the East Division.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP

by Rob Mahon

Raiders division rival ICE relocating to Washington

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