The Canyon City Hockey League in Whitehorse has nearly doubled in size in just its second year of operation.

The gentlemen’s league, founded last year with just three teams, has swelled to five this season as interest grows.

The first game of the year took place Sept. 14 at the Canada Games Centre, with yet unsponsored Team 4 beating the Dirty Northern Muckers 9-2.

“It was always our goal to have between four and six teams in the league, so that there was some variety,” said CCHL president Andy Connors. “I think there’s a lot of people interested in playing in a league that espouses that ethic of camaraderie and sportsmanship before competition.”

The league also runs a draft, making it easier for individuals to join.

“We have a lot of people new to the city who are in the league,” Connors noted.

The CCHL isn’t the only recreational hockey league operating in the Yukon capital.

The Whitehorse Rec Hockey League is once again expected to field 17 teams in two divisions. Ten teams will play A-level hockey, while seven clubs will play B.

The Whitehorse Oldtimer Hockey League will have eight teams hit the ice, while the Whitehorse Women’s Hockey Association drops from seven teams to six this season.

All leagues are expected to begin regular action by early October.