History

The Manitoba Junior Hockey League has a rich tradition and the League members work hard every year to keep building upon its successes. The MJHL is the oldest Junior A League in Canada. The first year of operation was the 1918 – 1919 season. That year there were nine teams in two divisions. The teams included the Winnipeg Pilgrims, Elmwood, Grand Trunk Pacific, Winnipeg Tigers, Young Men’s Lutheran Club, Winnipeg Argonauts, Selkirk Fishermen, Weston and Winnipeg Monarchs. The first season consisted of each team playing six games. The MJHL membership has fluctuated over the years with as few as four teams as its lowest level of membership.

As of the 2009 – 2010 season there are eleven (11) member teams in the MJHL and the league has enjoyed great success over the past several years. The theme of the past three MJHL seasons has been “parity”. The League championship has been up for grabs each of the past three seasons with as many as six teams having a legitimate chance of winning. The League has developed into a tough, competitively balanced league. This has created some tremendous playoff series to the delight of the MJHL’s loyal fans.

The mission statement of the MJHL is “To provide each player with an elite hockey development experience with a strong emphasis on education and citizenship.” The MJHL provides wonderful opportunities for young men who are interested in developing as hockey players while pursuing educational and hockey dreams. The MJHL develops players for advancement to higher levels of hockey. When a player decides to play for a MJHL team he will be joining an impressive group of young men who have played in the League and gone on to greatness in the NHL and in other careers. Former MJHL players who have starred or are currently playing in the NHL include Bob Clarke, Reg Leach, Tyler Arnason, Mike Ridley, Duvie Westcott, Shane Hnidy and many many more.

The Manitoba Junior Hockey League has enjoyed many years of Junior A hockey. The champions of the League range from well-known names to lesser known ones from earlier eras. Please review the list of MJHL Champions that follows. Please also note that in 1939 a League champion was not crowned. For additional interest please review the top ten list of all time goal scorers in the MJHL.