If all goes according to plan, Lac la Hache may soon be the home of a new senior AA Central Interior Hockey League (CIHL) team.
The newly founded Lac la Hache Tomahawks Hockey Society will be making an application to have its team, the Lac la Hache Tomahawks, join the league within the next few weeks.
Until recently, the CIHL included the 100 Mile House Bears.
Rudy Gunther is a society director and a member of the Lac la Hache Community Club, which is a supporter of the hockey team. He says confidence is high the Tomahawks will be accepted to the league.
"There's lots of talking right now, but we're pretty sure we will get it."
The club has already held a fundraiser and is ready to purchase jerseys and get a team on the ice soon after they get the OK.
The team majority will be First Nations players, says Gunther, with most of the interest coming from Williams Lake and Canim Lake. Former Williams Lake Stampeders are among the team hopefuls and Al Navrot, a previous coach with the Stampeders, has agreed to take on the head coach duties.
Gunther says Lac la Hache as a home base has several things in its favour, including quality ice, available ice time and it's conveniently situated for both Williams Lake and Canim Lake team members.
Assuming their application is accepted, he adds team tryouts will be this summer and will not be restricted to First Nations players.
"We want both young and experienced players. ‘Just for fun’ will be the rule and we want the players to bring the spirit of sport to youth."
Gunther says they expect an answer from CIHL by the end of April.