The Ripley Wolves are preparing for a 2023/24 season that will look a lot different than any other time in the league's history.
The Wolves are part of the new Ontario Elite Hockey League (OEHL), which is under the umbrella of the Ontario Hockey Association/Hockey Canada, leaving the Western Ontario Athletic Association (WOAA) for the first time in league history.
Ripley will be joined by Lucknow, Saugeen Shores, Creemore, Durham, Milverton, Minto, Seaforth, Shelburne and Tavistock.The Georgian Bay Applekings (Thornbury) and Erin Outlaws are expansion teams in the new league.
Petrolia has left to play in another league with less travel, while the Shallow Lake Crushers don't have a team this year.
Ripley, which lost in, what turned out to be, the final WOAA Senior A championship series this past spring, is bringing back most of its key players and welcoming many newcomers to the team this year. They'll hit the ice on Saturday, Oc. 14, in Erin, at 7:30 p.m. The first home game will be against Lucknow on Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.
Aside from playing in a new league, there will be some changes for fans at home games this year. Due to rising costs, entrance fees will now be $12/adult and $6 for youth/seniors. Drinks in the Wolves Den will also be $6. We appreciate the understanding of our dedicated fans.
2023/24 schedule
Oct. 14 @ Erin - 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 15 @ Milverton - 2 p.m.
Oct. 28 vs Lucknow - 7 p.m.
Nov. 4 @ Seaforth - 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 5 vs Tavistock - 4 p.m.
Nov. 11 vs Creemore - 7 p.m.
Nov. 12 @ Minto (Palmerston) - 2 p.m.
Nov. 18 @ Thornbury - 5:30 p.m.
Nov. 19 @ Tavistock (Embro) - 3:30 p.m.
Nov. 26 @ Creemore - 2 p.m.
Dec. 2 vs Milverton - 7 p.m.
Dec. 10 vs Erin - 4 p.m.
Dec. 16 vs Saugeen Shores - 7 p.m.
Dec. 22 @ Durham - 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 30 @ Lucknow - 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 6 vs Seaforth - 7 p.m.
Jan. 13 vs Thornbury - 7 p.m.
Jan. 20 vs Durham - 7 p.m.
Jan. 26 @ Saugeen Shores - 8:30 p.m.
Jan. 27 vs Minto - 7 p.m.