Spokane withdraws from 2021-22 KIJHL season

KAMLOOPS —- The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League’s only U.S. based team won’t be part of the 2021-22 season.

The Spokane Braves have withdrawn from the season because of the uncertainty surrounding travel between the U.S. and Canada due to the ongoing COVID pandemic.

Spokane’s withdrawal from the season won’t affect the schedules of the Kamloops Storm, Chase Heat or 100 Mile House Wranglers since there won’t be any interlocking games between team in the Okanagan/Shuswap Conference and teams in the Kootenay Conference.

There is no indication yet from the Western Hockey League or B.C. Hockey League on potential impact to their schedules.