The Superior International Junior Hockey League announced Wednesday that a seventh club will take to the ice for the 2011-12 season with the addition of the Iron Range Steel.
Based in the Iron Range region of Northern Minnesota, the Steel will join the six returning SIJHL organizations; in the Dryden Ice Dogs, Duluth Clydesdales, Fort Frances Lakers, Thunder Bay North Stars, Sioux Lookout Flyers and the defending champion Wisconsin Wilderness to make it a seven-team loop for the upcoming campaign.
“I think the addition of the Iron Range Steel is great for our league,” said Ron Whitehead, president/commissioner of the SIJHL in announcing the arrival of its newest organization.
“It gives more diversity to our fans by bringing in a new group of talent and proving again that the SIJHL is a league that is not only respected outside our traditional territory, but highly sought after, as a place to play,” added Whitehead.
Among the ownership group of the Steel is Steve Chelios who will serve as head coach and general manager of the expansion club. He is the brother of long-time NHLer Chris Chelios.
More information on the Iron Range Steel including the team logo, website and home arena will be announced in the coming weeks.
