Barry Wright/The Independent

The Alvinston Killer Bees are now officially one of the original six franchises in the newly formed Western Ontario Super Hockey League (WOSHL).

The other teams are in Strathroy, Stratford, Tillsonburg, Langton and Elora.
Although the Bees had previously announced their intentions through correspondence to Brooke-Alvinston Council, the league made its first locations official with a league podcast Monday.

“We’re hoping to be your new hockey fix,” said league President Jamie Petrie in a launch video. He expects more teams to be added to the roster in the coming weeks.
Depending on COVID-19 restrictions, he hopes the league can hit the ice in early October for an inaugural 24 game regular season.

The league is aimed at players between 20 and 30 years old but there will not be an upper end age limit. He expects the vast majority of each roster to be local players.
“We don’t see this as a one or two-year wonder,” said Petrie.“We think this (the league) will blossom.”

The vision for the league, according to Petrie, is to be young, fast and competitive.
“If a person can come to a game and be entertained at a reasonable dollar, that’s a win-win,” he said.

According to its website, the Killer Bees already have commitments from several area players for the coming season, including ex-Petrolia Squire Tyler Ryan, former Alvinston Flyer Scott Case and Strathroy Rockets’ alum Cameron Rombouts and Matthew Stevens.
Shawn Dickey will be the Bees’ coach and general manager.