A major soccer team in Thunder Bay is taking the year off.
The Thunder Bay Chill will not be participating in the 2025 season in the US League Two season.
The decision was made due to the league’s divisional alignment and proximity to other franchises.
The franchise explained in a release that operating costs for transportation, accommodation, and meals while playing south of the border, and the weak Canadian dollar also contributed to the pause.
“This decision was not made overnight and we put much thought and planning to ensure that we can continue to operate at a high level and ensure sustainability for another 25 years,” said Executive Director Tony Colistro. “We owe it to our youth players and our community.”
The Chill was the only remaining Canadian team participating in the league.
The team has won the Deep North Division the past two seasons.
Moving forward the Chill’s first team will still operate in some capacity this year to ensure continuity according to the club.
“This summer might give us an opportunity to participate in certain Cup competitions that we have not been able to pursue because of the conflicting league schedule in the past, giving our players meaningful games to play for,” added Colistro.
The team is still accepting expressions of interest from players for this season.
The soccer club has been operating in Thunder Bay since 2000.
