Forty years ago, a case of mistaken identity resulted in the suspension of an athletic program from nationals, the elimination of funding for intercollegiate sport at a campus and the demise of a conference. It was the beginning of the end of the level one championship era

While the NAIT Ooks were on the Yellowhead Highway returning to Edmonton as national champions on March 23, 1986, other competitors from the CCAA National Hockey Championships caused over $1,400 in damages to a hotel room and approximately $100 in damages to a bus.

Immediately, the CCAA fingered the Midwest International College Hockey League champion Red River Community College Rebels from Winnipeg, suspended all Red River teams from nationals for a year, and fined the institution $1,000. CCAA president Mal Stelck, who coached the Selkirk College Saints to a conference title in 1975, sent a letter to Red River Community College president Gary Polonsky, in which he declared the Rebels' behaviour appalling and requested co-operation in ensuring that the college reimburse the businesses for damages incurred. Subsequently, officials from Red River produced letters from the bus company and the motor inn indicating that the team was not responsible for the damage. Eventually, bills were sent to those responsible.

However, the CCAA refused to lift the suspension placed on Red River and took no disciplinary action against the vandals. Incensed at the ruling, Red River wanted nothing to do with the CCAA and yanked funding for intercollegiate sport leaving two colleges in the conference -- Keewatin and Assiniboine. Withdrawal of Manitoba's athletic programs from national competition occurred shortly thereafter.

As a result, Camrose Lutheran College stepped up to host the 1987 CCAA National Hockey Championship which was earmarked for Brandon. Six provinces sent teams to nationals down from a high of seven in 1984, 1985 & 1986.

In less than five years, the level one championship era of CCAA hockey concluded with only two provinces represented at the season ending finale. Nova Scotia dropped hockey after the 1987 CCAA National Hockey Championship as the University College of Cape Breton joined the CIAU. Quebec teams made their final appearance at nationals the following year coinciding with the demise of the province's 'AAA' league.  British Columbia ceased to sanction the sport after the 1989 CCAA National Hockey Championships. Saskatchewan competed for a berth at nationals the following year, but fell short leaving teams from Alberta and Ontario to determine the final level one champion.

While Stelck was in the CCAA Hall of Fame's inaugural induction class, no builders, coaches or athletes with ties to Manitoba colleges have received a call to the hall.

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