Keyano College is looking to bring back its hockey program.

The school got rid of their men’s team in 2016 after it was no longer deemed sustainable after just four seasons.

Director of Sport & Student Wellness John Lambert tells Mix News they’re currently putting together a bid to convince the ACAC they deserve another team.

He says they’re looking to hire a head coach soon to show their commitment to the team.

“Usually in applications, institutions don’t hire a coach until after they find out they’re in the league, but we feel that by hire a coach beforehand it will show the commitment that Keyano has.”

Keyano received a lot of backlash from the community after they disbanded the team.

Lambert notes the athletic department has been looking at bringing back the team ever since.

“It was loud and clear, it’s been that way for the past couple of years since we cut the program, that the community wants to have this level of hockey in the community.”

A potential partnership with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons is also being discussed. The hope is by having a college team that some players will decide to stay in the community to continue their education.

Meanwhile, Keyano is also wanting to add a women’s hockey team.

The bid must be submitted to the ACAC by November. If approved, the earliest they could be back in the league is the 2021-22 season.

-With files from Brandon Piper