The Western Hockey League announced on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, that the Kootenay Ice will be moving from Cranbrook, British Columbia to Winnipeg at the end of the current season.
“We understand this will be disappointing news for Cranbrook,” said Matt Cockell, President and General Manager of the Kootenay ICE. “Unfortunately, our collective effort failed to achieve the results required to create confidence that the franchise could be viable in this market.”
The Kootenay Ice was moved to Cranbrook in 1998. Originally the team was based in Edmonton. In 2017 ownership of the team changed and it was purchased by Greg Fettes and Matt Cockell.
The WHL said that the franchise was no longer viable in the Cranbrook market and was a contributing factor to the league approving the move to Winnipeg.
“After many years of monitoring the operations of the Kootenay ICE, it is evident this franchise is not viable in the market moving forward. It is a difficult decision, but given low attendance trends and the support required to operate a WHL Club, it is necessary to move the franchise to a market where it can be sustainable on a long-term basis,” said WHL Commissioner Ron Robison.
The team will likely undergo a name change before the start of the 2019-2020 season.
