It appears the Ponoka Stampeders will not play the remainder of their games for the 2022-23 Heritage Junior Hockey League Season (HJHL).
A statement provided by the team reads, “The Ponoka Stampeders and the HJHL Executive mutually agreed that the Stampeders would no longer compete this season. The Stampeders and the HJHL will work towards the mutual goal of having the Stampeders return for the 2023-2024 season.”
The team struggled early this season, being outscored 125-3 in five games. The team’s slow start gathered attention on social media after a social media post was made by the official accounts of popular hockey podcast Spittin’ Chiclets that showed the results of the team’s five games.
Rookie Head Coach Tyler Friesen is expected to remain with the club. In a written statement, Friesen says “the league informed us yesterday we were going to be suspended for the season but we have high hopes and intentions to come back next season for the 25th anniversary of our team being created.”
The Stampeders struggled with icing a full team with multiple players on the team struggling with injuries and illness. The team was working in conjunction with the League and the rest of its teams by providing support by giving players who were cut the opportunity to join the Ponoka team.
Just last week, a “wanted poster” was shared encouraging any junior-age players to contact the team about playing for the Stampeders.
It has been a rough couple of seasons for the Stampeders. Two years ago, the entire league was shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then last season, when the HJHL returned to action, the Stampeders were forced to withdraw because the team could not get enough vaccinated players to follow the league’s COVID-19 protocols.
Management will now work towards a return next season. The team will scout junior-eligible players and make a case as to why the Ponoka Stampeders can once again be competitive in the HJHL and ultimately challenge for the championship.
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