Interview with Commissioner Davis

By Derek Holtom MJHL Web Correspondent   The Manitoba Junior Hockey League season is under way, and while most observers and fans have a team they root for or follow […]

Steelers Add Corey Weir to Front Office

Submitted by Selkirk Steelers SELKIRK, MB – The Selkirk Steelers Hockey Club is proud to announce the addition of Corey Weir as Communications Manager. We feel the addition of Weir to […]

MJHL Power Rankings – WEEK 2

  RANKING TEAM LAST WEEK DETAILS 1. 1st    5-1-0 After stumbling a little in a 5-2 loss to Winnipeg the Oil Capitals bounced back well picking up two wins late […]

MJHL produces new promotional video

The MJHL has produced a new promotional video aimed at promoting the league and attracting/developing players. The new video can be viewed here. “The video will serve as another tool […]

Five MJHL clubs in CJHL Top 20

CALGARY, Alta. — The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced Monday its initial Top 20 regular season rankings for the 2017-18 campaign as compiled by an independent scouting service. Topping […]

MJHL Power Rankings – Week 1

Virden Oil Capitals (2-0-0) (Last week: NR) – A strong start to the year for the Virden Oil Capitals who beat the Dauphin Kings twice over the weekend. They’ll look […]

Season opens tonight: Teams previewed

By Derek Holtom MJHL Web Correspondent   In Part 2 of our MJHL preview, we’ll take a look at the remaining five teams and see how they are set up […]

MJHL season about to open: teams geared up

By Derek Holtom MJHL Web Correspondent   Eleven teams. Sixty games. Tens of thousands of kilometres of travel. And more pre game pasta meals than we could ever count. Welcome […]

MJHL season opens this Friday

By Derek Holtom MJHL Web Correspondent   A new MJHL season starts this Friday. Each team enters the season with hopes of celebrating a championship next April. So what will […]

Former Kings Goalie Joins University of Regina

DAUPHIN, MB - Former Dauphin Kings goaltender Brandon Holtby is taking his hockey career to the next level.    The goaltender, who graduated following the 2016-17 MJHL season, will play for the […]

SJHL and MJHL to Launch Joint Showcase

The Saskatchewan Jr A Hockey League and the Manitoba Jr A Hockey League are proud to announce the 1st MJHL/SJHL Showcase. The Showcase will be held at the Co-operators Center in […]

Wolverines Add Key Members to Staff

The Waywayseecappo Wolverines announced today that two positions have been filled on Head Coach and General Manager Arnie Caplan’s staff. Paul MacLean is the club’s new Assistant Coach. MacLean, 47, […]

Two MJHL clubs top CJHL pre-season rankings

Submitted by:  CJHL CALGARY, Alta. – The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced Thursday itsTop 20 preseason rankings for the upcoming 2017-18 campaign with Penticton Vees (BCHL) being slotted in […]

MJHL announces new mobile app

The MJHL is launching a new mobile app this season, providing fans with real-time scoring data, game scores, schedules, standings, player and goal statistics. The mobile app is available for […]

MJHL announces Scholarship Fund winners

The Manitoba Junior Hockey League has awarded a total of $3,000 in scholarships to four graduating players, Commissioner Kim Davis announced today. Tanner Lewis (Winkler Flyers/Brandon University), Carter McMurdo (Portage […]

MJHL Prospects Camp scores big with players

By Derek Holtom MJHL Web Correspondent The Manitoba Junior Hockey League, and the 11 teams within, provide an outstanding option to junior players from across North America. Constantly seeking to […]

MJHL Hot Stove

MJHL Hot Stove The Manitoba Junior Hockey League is proud to announce that as part of the MJHL Prospect Development Camp, an MJHL Focused Hot Stove Discussion will take place Saturday […]

Pistons crop program progressing nicely

By: Steinbach Pistons The Steinbach Pistons are very excited for the upcoming harvest of our Crop Program this year, and are grateful for the help of Scott Peters and his […]

MJHL pre-season schedule released ─ opens September 4

Pre-season action in the MJHL kicks off Monday, September 4 with Swan Valley Stampeders taking on Dauphin Kings. The pre-season season wraps up on September 17. The complete schedule can be found on the MJHL website/schedule. The regular season kicks off Friday, September 22.

Two MJHL Alumni Selected in NHL Draft

A pair of MJHL alumni were selected in the NHL draft on Saturday. Nick Henry (Portage Terriers) and Wyatt Kalynuk (Virden Oil Capitals) were selected by Colorado and Philadelphia, respectively. Henry, who currently plays for the Regina Pats, was taken 94th overall. He’s a former MJHL rookie of the year (2015-16). Kalynuk, who has played the last two seasons in the USHL, was selected 196th overall. He broke in with Virden as a 16-year-old three years ago. “Congratulations to both players,” MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis said. “Their selections confirm the high talent level within our league. Every year our league and 11 teams are committed to putting the best talent on the ice each game.”

Brooks Bandits (AJHL) to host 2019 RBC Cup

National Junior A Championship, is headed to Brooks, Alta., where the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League will play host to the 49th edition of the tournament

Waywayseecappo Hiring Two New Positions

Full-time Assistant Coach: The Waywayseecappo Wolverines are accepting resumes for the position of full-time Assistant Coach for the 2017-2018 season. The period of employment would be from August-March. The ideal candidate will have a strong hockey background and will be able and willing to assist the General Manager and Head Coach with the overall direction and all facets of the day-to-day operations of the club. To apply, please forward resumes to: arniecaplan@gmail.com by July 4, 2017. For more information contact General Manager and Head Coach Arnie Caplan @ 204-891-4743. Only candidates under consideration will be contacted. Athletic Therapist: The Waywayseecappo Wolverines are accepting resumes for the position of Athletic Therapist / Equipment Manager for the 2017-18 MJHL season. The successful applicant must be a team-oriented individual who is out going, organized and willing to work closely with the coaching and medical staff to serve players’ needs. The position requires strong organizational and communication skills with a positive attitude. The individual will also be required to travel with the team to all road games; travel expenses will be covered by the team. Job Duties include, but are not limited to: Attend all games and practices. Management and repair of team equipment (Sticks, gloves, pants, helmets, jerseys, etc.). Game day set up of dressing room and team equipment. Skate sharpening and daily laundry. Keeping an accurate log on all injuries, team equipment, and medical supplies. Working closely with medical personnel to attend to and assess player injuries, rehabilitation and documentation. Injury prevention and physical preparation guidelines. Communication of injuries to coaching staff and appropriate medical personnel. Maintaining an inventory of both hockey and medical supplies within a budget. Interested applicants are asked to outline their qualifications, Certified Athletic Therapists or related program and previous hockey team experience would be an asset. Those who recently attempted the June CATA exam may also apply. This position requires non-standard hours. Salary will be based on experience and certification. Those interested are asked to forward a resume to: Arnie Caplan – General Manager and Head Coach Waywayseecappo Wolverines Junior A Hockey Club Email: arniecaplan@gmail.com Deadline for resumes is July 5, 2017.  

Blues’ alumni Wowryk committed to Minot State

Former Winnipeg Blues’ forward Adam Wowryk is the latest MJHLer to commit to NCAA hockey program. Wowryk, 21, will be joining Minot State Beavers. “Adam is a highly skilled, 200 foot forward,” Beavers’ Head Coach Wade Regier said in a statement. “Wade is a player who brings a ton of success both in season and in the playoffs to our program. Adam is a player we expect to step in right away as a freshman and make an impact. We lost a couple offensive players to graduation this past year so it was extremely important we filled a need with a player like Adam. “As a player who has worn letters the past couple of seasons, we expect Adam to be a leader off the ice as well.” Wowryk, who hails from Winnipeg, recorded 41 points (18-23) in 57 games last season for the Blues. He also played in the MJHL for Portage and Selkirk. Recently, former Blue Rhett Lough also committed to Minot State.

Neepawa Natives Seek Assistant Coach for 2017-2018 Season

Neepawa Natives are seeking an Assistant Coach for the 2017-2018 season.   Assisting with organizing physicians, dentists, physiotherapists, and counseling as needed for maintaining player’s health including maintaining standards for physical fitness; Assist GM and Head Coach in game preparation; Assist GM and Head Coach in all game video analysis; Assisting all on-ice activities of the players including games and practices, all training to improve the players’ skills, fitness and development of offensive and defensive strategies for the Hockey Club; Assisting and encouraging players with off-ice activities including schools, jobs, and community activities, fitness and nutritional training; Assisting and supervising players in attending promotional activities of the Hockey Club Arranging for travel, accommodations and meals for all road trips Maintaining liaisons with other teams for the purpose of recruiting and/or encouraging players to develop their talent for the Hockey Club; Assisting the GM and/or Head Coach as required in maintaining registration of players and support staff of the Hockey Club to maintain good standing at all times with the MJHL and Hockey Manitoba and providing all documentation and information to both organizations when required to do so; Assisting with assigning players to billets for room and board and maintaining good will with all billets and compliance with billeting rules of the Hockey Club.  The staff will work closely with the Billet Coordinator of the Hockey Club. Assisting the Board of Directors of the Hockey Club and its volunteers with promotion of the Hockey Club in the community and attending functions for that purpose when they do not conflict with attendance at practices or games or meetings to recruit or trade players; Maintaining and expanding a scouting network for the Hockey Club including a network of college contacts and maintaining scouting records, preparation and distribution of recruiting packages and meeting with players and player’s families for recruitment of players; Assist with Hockey Club’s fall and spring camps; Please forward resumes to nnatives@mymts.net If you have questions about the position contact General Manager Myles Cathcart at 204.841.1555c  

Jamie Hodson Named Oil Caps Director of Business and Hockey Operations

Virden Hockey Ventures Inc. announced today that former hockey pro and local product Jamie Hodson has been appointed to the position of Director of Business and Hockey Operations of the Virden Oil Capitals Junior A Hockey Franchise. The 37-year old native of Lenore Manitoba will begin transitioning into his new role immediately. Hodson joins the Oil Caps to oversee and be responsible for all team operations for the 5-year old franchise after a 16-year Junior and Pro career as both a player and coach.  His position will report directly to the board.  Hodson was drafted in the 3rd round 69th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1998 while playing for the Brandon Wheat Kings and went on to play in the Maple Leafs farm system as well as winning gold medals with Team Canada in the 2002, 2003 Spengler Cup in Davos Switzerland.  Hodson has most recently been with the Moose Jaw Warriors staff for the past 6 years as their goalie coach as well as learning other facets of the game with their experienced hockey personnel.  Hodson has spent a combined 10 years of Junior Hockey with 2 storied franchises in the Brandon Wheat Kings and Moose Jaw Warriors from his playing days to getting his feet wet in coaching over the past number of years.  Jamie will bring his experience and hockey acumen to the table in helping this franchise move into the future. Over the years, Hodson has established himself as an important voice for the game of hockey, not only for his on- ice achievements, but for his leadership qualities off the ice. Hodson brings with him a tremendous sense of community, hockey knowledge and business knowledge that will benefit the Oil Capitals organization for many years to come. Jamie, his wife Lindsey, and their 4 young children reside in Virden.  Their family continually looks forward to being part of the community and raising their children in SW Manitoba. Hodson looks forward to working with all individuals involved within the organization, the fans, and the community in his new role and is excited about what lays ahead for the team into the future.

MJHL regular season opens September 22

The MJHL opens its 60-game regular season on Friday, September 22 with 10 of 11 teams in action. Schedule – please ensure the 2017-2018 season is selected.  Defending MJHL champions Portage Terriers will open their regular season in Winnipeg against the Blues.  Teams will play a balanced schedule ─ three games at home/three games on the road against each opponent. Prior to the regular season, the MJHL will be conducting its first-ever Prospect Development Camp running from July 27 – 30 at the Seven Oaks Arena. The camp will feature list players born in 2000 and 2001 from each MJHL club and will focus on preparing the players for a successful junior hockey career and helping them transition from minor hockey to elite junior hockey in the MJHL and beyond. Another highlight this coming season will be the Old Dutch Player Showcase, scheduled Dec. 11-13 at the Bell MTS IcePlex in Winnipeg. The event is now in its 15th year. This highly popular event attracts scouts from many levels of hockey: NHL, NCAA, WHL and CIS.

Kirk Lamb steps down as CJHL Chairman

CJHL President Brent Ladds to assume role until further notice CALGARY, Alta. (Friday, June 16, 2017) – The Canadian Junior Hockey League announced Friday that Kirk Lamb has stepped down as Chairman of the national organization composed of the 10 leagues and 132 team Jr. A teams across the country and pockets of the U.S. Among his many duties during his tenure with the CJHL, Lamb was instrumental in the completion of the CJHL’s Partnership Agreement with Hockey Canada as well representing the CJHL on the National Hockey League’s Development Group. Lamb first joined the CJHL back in January of 2011 as volunteer chairman before being appointed into a full-time role in October of 2012. Along with his time with the CJHL, he has also practiced law for the past decade with the Calgary firm of Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP. An Alberta native, Lamb played Jr. A in the AJHL and is an alumnus of the CJHL, CHL, and NCAA where he went on attend and graduate from Princeton University before moving onto a minor pro career and eventually law school. As part of the transition, the CJHL has also announced that current president Brent Ladds will add the Chairman’s role to his duties, until further notice, as they work towards the commencement of the 2017-18 season. “We at the CJHL certainly regret Kirk’s decision to step down, however we are extremely grateful for the dedication, leadership and vision he brought in his role,” stated Ladds. “The entire CJHL would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Kirk for his time and extensive efforts he brought in fostering the growth of Jr. A hockey across the country and wish him nothing but continued success in all future endeavours,” added Ladds.  

Swan Valley Stamps seeking Assistant Coach and PT Marketing Director

  The Swan Valley Stampeders Jr. A Hockey Club are accepting resumes for the position of a full time Assistant Coach. The period of full time employment would be from August-March. The candidate would be responsible for assisting in the overall direction of the hockey club.   The ideal candidate will have a strong hockey background, demonstrate leadership skills and a strong focus on player/goaltender development. For a detailed job description or more information regarding the position please contact Taurean White Head Coach/GM, Swan Valley Stampeders Jr. A Hockey Club.   Please send resume to Taurean White, Head Coach/GM, Swan Valley Stampeders Jr. A Hockey Club on or before July 7/17 to taurean@stampedershockey.com   Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.   The Swan Valley Stampeders Jr. A Hockey Club are accepting resumes for the position of a part-time Marketing Director. The candidate would be responsible for Corporate Sponsorship, Game Night Activities, Web Page Updates and all other items as they relate to the marketing direction of the hockey club.   The ideal candidate will have a strong business acumen, an understanding of marketing techniques. For a detailed job description or more information regarding the position please contact Taurean White Head Coach/GM, Swan Valley Stampeders Jr. A Hockey Club taurean@stampedershockey.com   Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.   The positions above may be combined for those candidates that have strong attributes in both areas.

Flyers’ Gall Joins the Thunderwolves After Committing to Lakehead University

  Submitted by Winkler Flyers Winkler Flyers leading scorer Scott Gall has committed to the Lakehead University Thunderwolves (U Sports) for the 2017-2018 season. Gall played four seasons in Winkler, finishing his final season as the team’s leading scorer and Fan’s Choice Award winner.  In 201 regular season games played in Winkler, the Morden, Manitoba native recorded 185 points (97 goals – 88 assists) to go along with 15 points (6 goals – 9 assists) in 27 playoff games. This past season, Gall led the Flyers with 50 points despite missing the last 16 games due to injury. He also served as the club’s Assistant Captain. “My four years spent in the Flyers organization really helped me develop as a player.” said Gall. He went on to say “I am very grateful for the amount of effort the coaches put into helping me and my fellow 20 year olds move on to various college programs.” The Lakehead University Thunderwolves play in the top collegiate hockey league in Canada (U Sports, formerly known as CIS) and are based in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Gall is enrolled at Lakehead’s School of Business.  “Scott has a big body and good hands, and we’re excited to add another power forward to our line-up,” said Thunderwolves Head Coach Bill McDonald on the Lakehead Thunderwolves website.  “He’s been a consistent goal scorer, and the majority of them came from the hard areas around the net.”  He added, “Assistant Coach Andrew Wilkins and I were both impressed with his character during the recruiting process."  Gall joins D Lawson McDonald (University of Nebraska-Omaha – NCAA Div I), D Tyler Jubenvill (Bemidji State – NCAA Div I), D Connor Hamonic (Wisconsin-Superior – NCAA Div III) and D Tyler Lindstrom (Currey College – NCAA Div III) as committed players from the Flyers’ 2016-2017 roster.  The Flyers would like to congratulate Scott for his decision to continue his education and hockey career at Lakehead University, and wish him and the Thunderwolves all the best in the future.  

Pistons’ Grad Leonidas Commits to Lakehead University

The Steinbach Pistons are proud to announce that defenceman Joseph Leonidas has committed to Lakehead University where he will play for the Thunderwolves of the Canadian U Sports Men’s Hockey league, formally known as CIS. Leonidas explains that he had a few Canadian universities contact him about committing to their programs, but that Lakehead was the obvious choice. “Lakehead took the time to fly me down for a visit and showed me what their program was all about. They have a great business program and not to mention a good hockey team. Over the course of my visit, it became more and more clear that this was the place I wanted to be.” Leonidas, who plans to take Honours in Bachelor of Commerce, joined the Pistons this past season in a trade with the Flin Flon Bombers. In 32 games with the Pistons, Leonidas recorded 6 goals and added 15 assists for 21 points. Over his junior career, which included stints in the AJHL, SJHL and the NAHL in the United Sates, Leonidas recorded 95 points. For Leonidas, the thought of playing at the university level excites him. “I’m really looking forward to playing CIS hockey and in front of the largest CIS fan base in the country is going to be amazing. Lakehead has a strong recruiting class this year and the coaching staff and community expect big things moving forward.” Leonidas is thankful for his time in Steinbach as he believes it has helped him progress to the next level of hockey. “Paul, Joey and Graham helped me refine aspects of my game, from video sessions to one on one stuff, and that was one of the biggest reasons for my successes this past season,” said the product of Calgary, Alberta. “The organization was nothing but fantastic to me and my family during my time and I will forever be grateful to have worn the pistons jersey.” “I am excited for Joe and the opportunity that he has earned,” shared Head Coach and General Manager of the Pistons, Paul Dyck. “He is a very skilled player and his skating will help him transition to the university game. We wish him all the best as he begins his collegiate career.”  

Blizzard’s Hedley inducted into Brandon University Wall of Fame

OCN Blizzard Head Coach/GM Doug Hedley is being inducted into the Brandon University Athletics Wall of Fame this coming fall. A former MJHL coach of the year, Hedley has a long history of hockey success including an impressive run with the Bobcats. The Sandy Lake, Man. product had a solid first year with the men's hockey team in 1977-78. He was named the team's rookie of the year and led the Great Plains Athletic Conference with 20 goals.   Hedley's fourth season was his finest as he helped guide the Bobcats to the GPAC championship, while being ranked #1 in Canada. He was third in team scoring and finished sixth in league scoring with 14 goals and 42 points. Following his career at BU, Hedley joined the coaching ranks and has spent over 20 years behind the bench at various levels.   In 2000-01, he led the Nipawin Hawks to a runner-up finish for the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League championship.   He also served as co-coach of the SJHL Selects who competed in the prestigious Camrose Viking Cup in 1999 and 2001 in Alberta. Hedley's SJHL squad won the 1999 championship in a tournament that featured the top junior teams from around the world.   Hedley later made his way to the Manitoba Junior Hockey League where he was named coach of the year in 2009 with the OCN Blizzard. Hedley returned behind the OCN bench in 2016-17 and led the Blizzard to a spot in the Turnbull Cup Final.   He also had a coaching run in the Manitoba AAA Midget Hockey League with the Parkland Rangers. In 2015, he prepared the team to host the 2015 western regional championship.   Hedley also played a key role as event coordinator of the RBC Cup National Junior 'A' Hockey Championship in Dauphin in 2010. The Dick and Verda McDonald Sports Wall of Fame is located on the second level of BU's Healthy Living Centre. The display features team pictures, artifacts, and uniforms from past teams and athletes of Brandon University and Brandon College. Tickets for the Wall of Fame brunch on Saturday, October 14 at the Victoria Inn Imperial Ballroom can be purchased from the Customer Service Centre at the Healthy Living Centre for $50. Tables of eight can be reserved for $350, and those travelling from outside of Brandon can reserve tickets by calling (204) 727-7354 

MJHL Getting Younger

MJHL to get younger: reducing limit on 20-year-old players  The Manitoba Junior Hockey League is taking on a younger look, decreasing the number of 20-year-olds that can play in a game from nine to eight players.  “This motion was approved by the Board of Governors at our recent AGM,” explained MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis. “This reduced limit will be reviewed annually, with the ultimate intention of having the limit to six per team.”  Other news coming out of the recent AGM:  Prospect Development Camp  The MJHL will be conducting its first-ever Prospect Development Camp running from July 27 – 30 at the Seven Oaks Community Centre. The camp will feature list players born in 2000 and 2001 from each MJHL club and will focus on preparing the players for a successful junior hockey career and helping them transition from minor hockey to elite junior hockey in the MJHL and beyond.  Old Dutch Player Showcase  This year’s Showcase will take place Dec. 11-13 at the MTS IcePlex in Winnipeg. The event is now in its 15th year. This highly popular event attracts scouts from many levels of hockey: NHL, NCAA, WHL and CIS.  League Website  The league will be designing a new website and each of the 11 member clubs will also have a new website, all of which are scheduled to launch about mid-August under the direction of Hockey Tech.    New Statistics System  The MJHL will be launching a new statistics system to coincide with the start of next season. The new stats system is called League Stat and is powered by Hockey Tech.  Player Registry  The league will be launching several RinkNet software platforms powered by Hockey Tech beginning next season. The RinkNet program will allow the MJHL to manage its central registry of players more effectively, including trades, protected lists and other league administrative tools. All member teams in the league will have full access to RinkNet Scouting software programs to be utilized by their coaches and scouting staffs.  League Schedule  The league will operate under a balanced schedule format as it has over the past three years whereby each team will play each of the other teams six times (3 home and 3 away). The playoff format for next season will remain the same as 2016-2017.  League Officers  The following persons were appointed to league officer appointments: Board Chairman, Darren Russell and Board Vice-Chairman, Dale Deschouwer. 

2017 MJHL Draft | Auto-Protects by Team

Team                                       DOB                                        POS Dauphin Kings N/A Neepawa Natives Garrett Rainkie                       03-12-2002                            G Tyler Gibson                            08-04-2002                            F OCN Blizzard Branden Hill                            01/21/2002                            F              Cliff Salisbury                          03/28/2002                            F Selkirk Steelers Carl Ingalls                              02/17/02                                 F Jordan Donald                         09/08/02                                F Steinbach Pistons Cole Oswald                            01/17/02                                G Caleb Thiessen                        02/21/02                                F Swan Valley Stampeders Jayden Mosiondz                    11/6/2002                              D Jordan Gray                             12/12/2002                            F Virden Oil Capitals Hunter Andrew                       10/25/02                                 F Ryan Colon                              10/27/02                                 F Waywayseecappo Wolverines Nathan Falloon                       02/16/2002                            G Cole Mentuck                          01/17/2002                            D Winkler Flyers Rylan Thomas                         11-20-02                                D Liam Friesen                           11-25-02                                 F Winnipeg Blues Braden Fischer                        10-02-02                                F Luc Benedictson                      05-24-02                                F Portage Terriers Kian Calder                              07/12/02                                D Kyle VanDeynze                      08/05/02                                D