Staff
They’ve only just started practising, and aren’t even scheduled to play their first game until December, but the Fort Frances Thunderhawks already know they’ll be playing on the national stage at season’s end.
T’hawks GM Dean Bruyere confirmed yesterday that Hockey Canada has approved the team’s spot in the Allan Cup—Canada’s amateur senior men’s championship.
The event is slated for April 11-16 in Kenora.
The Thunderhawks earned the bye because the Quebec branch will not send a team to the tournament this year.
So, as in past years with similar situations, Hockey Canada decided to award a second berth to the host branch.
With the Kenora Thistles already in as hosts and Thunder Bay not participating this year, the Thunderhawks were the only remaining team in the region and automatically were awarded the berth.
The tournament will be rounded out by teams from the Pacific, West, Ontario Hockey Federation (southern Ontario), and Atlantic regions.
The Thunderhawks will play a series of games in order to prepare for the Allan Cup, beginning Dec. 18 when they host the Thistles at the Ice For Kids Arena.
