We first made note of the tentative steps to bring the Steelheads back with our notes from earlier this month, that outlined the organizers plans to move forward.
The largest hurdles for the team's return were knocked off the list earlier this month as Smithers Town Council approved a number of requests and initiatives that had been presented by officials looking to bring the team back.
At their June 11th session, Smithers Council approved three projects related to the return of the team; approving a request for the Steelheads to take over the lease to the Civic Centre concession stand, operate a beer garden at home games and install the Steelhead logo at Centre Ice.
The lease for the concession stand was issued at one dollar, with the provision that the Steelheads organization renovate the concession from their own funding.
The Beer Garden plans are still very much a work in progress, with Smithers Council looking to create a policy that will govern the operation of the licensed area.
The Town of Smithers however will pick up the tab on the return of the Steelhead to its former home of Centre Ice at the rink, a place affectionately known around the CIHL as the Pond.
Smithers Council will dip into their "Council Special Projects" fund to pay for the new logo.
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| The CIHL may soon be back on the ice in Smithers with plans in motion for a return of the Steelheads (photo from Town of Smithers) |
With a place to skate secured as well as the prospect of additional revenue streams for the season ahead, the hard work of putting a team on the ice will now begin over the summer, pending CIHL approval of course, though that should be a formality.
The Steelheads were one of the top attractions prior to their leave of absence from the league following the 2017-18 season, the Smithers rink a tough place for competitors to play in but one steeped with a strong love of the game.
Their return will be a welcome arrival from the members of the CIHL, particularly in the Northwest creating bringing back a strong rivalry for the Prince Rupert Rampage, Terrace River Kings and Kitimat Ice Demons.
The prospect of Senior Hockey back on the ice in the Bulkley Valley has been chronicled by the local media in the Smithers area.
Council backs return of Smithers Steelheads
Steelheads to return to Smithers
The Prince Rupert Rampage have not made mention of the latest progress for the Steelheads, but back in May President Ron German had indicated that the positive signs were there for a return.
The next three months should see a flurry of activity in the Bulkley Valley as the Steelheads prepare for a September training camp and the start of the CIHL campaign in October.
For a look back at some of the highlights of the most recent season in the CIHL see our archive page here.
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