It’s rare to get a do over in an expansion year but that might be the scenario for the Kam River Fighting Walleye.

The Superior International Junior Hockey League franchise only played in four regular season games and collected three wins against the Thunder Bay North Stars.

They also took part in the first ever Teleco Cup in November and December of 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately claimed the season on March 1.

“It’s kind of a cheat that we get a year and a half to expand,” says Valley. “We’re hoping to set the bar high for the Sioux Lookout franchise next season. This year we want to really be competitive, win a lot of games and cement ourselves in the league.”

Listen: Valley the 20-21 season, camps and affiliates

The league’s Board of Governors unanimously approved the expansion application for the Sioux Lookout Bombers for the 2022-23 season on April 22nd.

When it comes to the 2021-2022 season the seven teams will play a total of 48 games (four home, four away against the other clubs) with a few neutral site games.

“It’s all about gauging interest in other communities in having junior hockey there,” explains Valley. “There are many communities that I think are taking notice with what the league is doing and they’re seriously contemplating jumping in the league so let’s hope that helps push them over the edge and put in a bid to have a team.”

The Fighting Walleye and North Stars will play that neutral site game on Saturday, February 5, 2022.

Further with the schedule, October 8th will be the first night that cross border regular season games are scheduled as the Thief River Falls Norskies skate with the Thunder Bay North Stars at the Fort William Gardens while the Fort Frances Lakers take on the Lumberjacks in Spooner, WI.

Listen: Valley American border, rivalry with the North Stars

“(When we go to the United States) obviously we will have to follow the protocols, which I can only assume will entail going to the rink and hotel, it’s not like we’ll be flying around the town which I think everyone can respect. We’re there for business not pleasure,” Valley added.

The Walleye are preparing for their camps as well as the return of the Teleco Cup in September.

The full schedule can be viewed here.