The North Okanagan Knights could be on the move.
An Armstrong billet family has told The Morning Star that Knights head coach and GM Liam McOnie, as well as the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, informed them that the Junior A hockey team could potentially be sold and relocated.
McOnie would not confirm or deny that there have been talks about a relocation when The Morning Star reached out to him Thursday morning.
Thursday evening, however, KIJHL commissioner Jeff Dubois told The Morning Star that an attempt at a sale has been made.
“The KIJHL has received an application for a sale involving the North Okanagan Knights franchise, but the outcome of that application has not yet been determined,” Dubois said in an email, adding an announcement will be made “once that has taken place.”
Amanda Watson, a member of the billet family, launched an online petition Thursday in an effort to encourage ownership not to relocate the team.
“As a billet family to our local junior Knights hockey team for the past six years, we have had the privilege of hosting out-of-town players and sharing in their journeys. These experiences have enriched our family life and created bonds that extend beyond the ice rink,” Watson said. “Today, however, these cherished moments are under threat as plans to relocate our beloved team to another community are being considered.”
In the petition — which has already garnered more than 200 signatures in its first few hours — Watson said the community has shown “unwavering support” for the Knights over the years.
“This move would not only affect us personally but also disrupt a tradition that has been part of Armstrong’s identity for over a decade,” she said. “We believe there is ample local support that justifies keeping the team here in Armstrong.”
The petition urges Knights ownership to cease any plans to relocate the team.
“Let’s remember why we love hockey — it brings people together, fosters camaraderie and creates lasting memories. Let us keep these values alive by keeping our Junior Knights hockey team where they belong — here in Armstrong.”
The Knights’ season came to an end Monday, March 18, when the team lost to the Princeton Posse in game seven of the second-round KIJHL playoff series between the two teams.
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