In this Feb. 19, 2026 file photo, Lakeland’s Lawson Bain tips a puck in front of Shawano/Bonduel goalie Tyson Lyons and defender Wyatt Schroeder (19) during a WIAA Division 2 boys’ hockey regional final game in Minocqua. The WIAA Board of Control has approved Shawano/Bonduel’s request to join the GNC in boys’ hockey for the 2027-28 season. The GNC could grow as large as 10 teams by that season if Merrill’s fast-track request to join the GNC is approved by the WIAA board. That request is expected to be heard by the board of control following the current conference realignment cycle in April. (Brett LaBore/Lakeland Times)
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GNC preparing for hockey expansion
League could have 10 teams by 2027-28
The Great Northern Conference’s house is getting fuller in terms of boys’ hockey. With one program already slated to join the conference in two years, and another potentially joining next year, the GNC could be looking at as many as 10 teams in the sport in the near future.
