The junior hockey team formerly named the “Winnipeg ICE” were known for many things, such as consistently having a good roster, or developing NHL stars such as Sam Reinhart, but are best known for their constant relocation and struggle to remain in one location. Founded as the Edmonton Ice, the franchise played in Alberta’s capital from 1996 to 1998 before moving to Cranbrook, British Columbia. The Edmonton Ice’s time in Alberta was a mix of challenges and opportunities. The team aimed to carve a name for itself in a hockey-rich environment like Edmonton, known for its strong hockey fanbase. However, the franchise faced significant hurdles, including the presence of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Edmonton Oilers who joined the scene in 1972, and the need to establish a unique identity within the competitive local sports landscape. The major draw for junior hockey in the past has been affordability for families, and the ability to see young stars before they play professional hockey. However, if ticket prices are similar for a junior team and a professional team, fans would have no reason to go to games.

Ultimately, the decision to relocate from Edmonton to Cranbrook in 1998 was driven by a combination of strategic considerations and the pursuit of new opportunities. The move allowed the franchise a fresh start in a different community. However, it was the subsequent relocation to Winnipeg in 2019 that marked a pivotal chapter in the team’s history, as the team began to find success on the ice.

The most recent move was June 2023, when the franchise was sold to businessman David White. The ICE had consistently filled up the Wayne Fleming Arena on the University of Manitoba campus and even held the WHL finals at Canada Life Centre. The move away from Winnipeg surprised fans, as it seemed to have come out of nowhere. They were rebranded as the Wenatchee Wild, a move followed by the firing of all team staff. The new head coach, Kevin Constantine, was fired after only two games due to breaking WHL policies with discriminatory comments.

This isn’t the first time a WHL team has left Winnipeg. The Winnipeg Warriors came to the city in 1980, looking to ignite the spirit of hockey enthusiasts in Winnipeg. However, the franchise faced insurmountable challenges that led to its demise and financial instability plagued the Winnipeg Warriors from the outset. The team struggled to secure a dedicated fan base and faced fierce competition from the established Winnipeg Jets, who were part of the NHL. Financial strain, coupled with organizational mismanagement, forced the Warriors to cease operation in 1984, after just three seasons.

According to an article in the Winnipeg Free Press by Mike Sawatsky, on December 14th, 2022, the Ice were allegedly fined by the WHL as they did not comply with the league’s arena policy, regarding fan capacity. Only two days later, the league and the team published statements saying that this was false news. 50 Below Sports and Entertainment took a gamble in bringing junior hockey back to the city but, due to the competitive market, the team did not even last five years.

Nevertheless, the relocated team has had great success thus far in the season, sitting second in the Western Conference as of November 26th. Although the exact reason for the team’s departure may never be known, it can be assumed that the second failed WHL franchise in Winnipeg followed in the footsteps of its predecessor.