Junior Hockey Coming To Virden

Junior 'A' hockey has arrived in Virden.

A sizeable crowd gathered at Virden's new multi-use arena on April 25th for the much anticipated confirmation that a local ownership group had purchased the Winnipeg Saints of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.

(l-r) Virden mayor Jeff McConnell, MLA Larry Maguire, team President Dale Lewis. MJHL President Kim Davis and team governor Bob Berry

Virden officials says the naming of the team and unveiling of a new jersey will happen sometime early in May. Ownership spokesman Bob Berry called it an exciting time. He said it was an idea that got its start with a group of friends sitting around this past winter. He said a lot of things had to fall into place but now that it is happening he couldn't be happy for Virden and hockey fans across thesouthwest part of the province.

Team President Dale Lewis says their first job will be getting in touch with their players to let them know they are wanted and welcome in Virden. Lewis says they are losing at least 8 players from last year's team.

League President Kim Davis says it is nice to have the league spread out across the entire province. He says details have yet to be worked out on the league's new structure. He says Virden will be a great fit for the league.

Another order of business will be ticket sales. "We have to let everyone know this is a regional team representing the area" says President Dale Lewis. "We'll be relying on support from more than just fams in the Virden aresa to make the team a success" says lewis.

Virden will begin play in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League this fall.