A handful of hockey-loving, community-minded residents in Summerland has formed a working group with the goal of bringing a junior hockey franchise back to the town of 15,000.
The newly established group, consisting of about a dozen local residents, met Tuesday evening at the home of Terry Rolston, the group鈥檚 spokesperson. Their shared goal: to return junior hockey to Summerland following the departure of the Summerland Steam.
Just over a year ago, in March 2024, it was announced that the Steam had been sold and relocated to Williams Lake, where they rebranded as the Williams Lake Mustangs. The move was unanimously approved by the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) board of governors. The decision was largely due to declining attendance at home games. The Steam had competed in the KIJHL for 13 seasons, from 2011鈥12 to 2023鈥24.
鈥淭here鈥檚 a group of us working to bring a new franchise back to Summerland,鈥 said Rolston. 鈥淭here are a lot of junior hockey fans here, and we want a truly community-based team鈥攁nd that鈥檚 very important.鈥
He emphasized that the goal is not to attract a single private owner but to have a team owned and operated by the community.
鈥淚t鈥檚 about local player development and community involvement. All the money raised would go directly back into the team, building a sustainable model in partnership with local businesses and fans,鈥 he said.
Rolston, a lifelong Summerland resident who spent 25 years away pursuing his career before returning two decades ago, said the group has not yet approached Mayor Doug Holmes or District Council about their plans. However, they have had preliminary discussions with senior KIJHL administration about the possibility of establishing a new team.
鈥淚 was asked to explore whether this idea could even become a possibility,鈥 said Rolston. 鈥淎fter our meeting last night, my gut tells me it is possible. But it might not happen as quickly as we鈥檇 like鈥攚e want to ensure we have all our ducks in a row before taking any official steps.鈥
Given how early the process is, Rolston said there鈥檚 鈥渮ero chance鈥 of a new team launching in time for the 2025鈥26 season. The 2026鈥27 season also seems unlikely. However, he believes 2027鈥28 is a realistic target if momentum builds and the community rallies behind the initiative.
鈥淭he idea is to create a community-owned team that鈥檚 built to last,鈥 he said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 100 percent the goal.鈥
The group has also begun discussing potential branding. While some expressed nostalgia for the name 鈥淪team,鈥 most believe a new franchise would benefit from a fresh identity.
鈥淭he name is up in the air,鈥 Rolston said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e not ruling out 鈥楽team,鈥 but a new brand is more likely.鈥
He also noted that the Summerland Arena, where the previous team played, remains a modern and well-maintained facility鈥攁n advantage for any potential new franchise.
The group鈥檚 next steps include continuing their research into the process of launching a team and reconvening in two or three weeks to assess progress and plan further action.
鈥淲e鈥檒l get back together again soon,鈥 said Rolston.
When asked about the chances of bringing a junior franchise back to Summerland, Rolston was optimistic.
鈥淚鈥檇 say there鈥檚 a pretty good shot we鈥檒l have another team here within two or three years,鈥 he said. 鈥淥ur group is made up of really knowledgeable hockey people. There鈥檚 a lot of work to do, and we鈥檒l need to collaborate closely with minor hockey and the District to secure ice time and build support. We won鈥檛 move forward without the support of minor hockey. But overall, there鈥檚 a lot of excitement already鈥攚e鈥檙e just going to keep working on it.鈥