The Mel Hegland Uniplex has been the home of the Ice Wolves since 1998. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

junior hockey

Ice Wolves set to play final game at Mel Hegland Uniplex Friday

Mar 14, 2025 | 1:44 PM

The La Ronge Ice Wolves will play their final home game at the Mel Hegland Uniplex this evening.

The team will face off against the Flin Flon Bombers, who currently hold a firm grasp on second place in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL). The game will include an honouring of the Town of La Ronge and the lowering of championship banners.

Fans will be charged a reduced admission rate of $5 and the progressive 50/50, which is over $20,000, will also be drawn.

A letter sent to town council from Northern Lights Hockey Development Inc. president Grant Merriman states the team thanks the municipality for its unwavering support since they entered the league in the 1998-1999 season and throughout their tenure at the Mel Hegland Uniplex.

“The memories created at the arena, including two SJHL championships, will forever be cherished in our team’s history,” the letter notes.

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“While this transition marks a new chapter for the Ice Wolves, we remain committed to fostering the spirit of junior hockey in the tri-community and look forward to continuing our relationship with the town.”

The team announced last month they would be relocating to the Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre for the start of the 2025-2026 season. They had previous communicated to town council the Mel Hegland Uniplex no longer meets their needs to provide fans and players with the best quality entertainment and skill development possible.

The Ice Wolves are currently in ninth place in the SJHL standings. The have two games left this season, both against the Bombers, and they must win tonight’s game otherwise they will lose any viable pathway at earning a spot in the upcoming playoffs.

The team has 23 wins and 31 losses for a total of 51 points. The Kindersley Klippers, who are battling the Ice Wolves for the final playoff spot, have 25 wins and 29 losses for 54 points.

The Klippers also have two remaining regular games this season – both against the Battleford North Stars.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com