The Keyano Huskies are working on bringing back the school’s hockey team, including a new women’s team.
Keyano previously had a men’s team, but it was cut in 2016 due to funding.
Tom Keca, who will be the head coach of the men’s team, said they’re still in the bidding process with the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC).
“It’s an exciting time around the college. Hopefully we’re successful in this bid and that we can expand our athletic department.”
The bid will be submitted to the ACAC in mid-November. Keca hopes that will be followed by a site visit from the ACAC.
He said, Keyano’s president Trent Keough believes that a strong athletic program will bring students in from coast to coast.
“When Keyano had a men’s hockey team they drew a lot of kids in from Ontario. These are young people that come to Fort McMurray. They’re here for their studies of course, but then they fall in love with the community like we all have.”
Keca said the hope is to be able to have the hockey teams start next season, but it’s up to the ACAC.
He noted that the college is also adding golf and curling teams to help expand the college’s athletic department.
The college has already introduced cricket and cheer teams.
