With under three weeks to go until the puck drops on 2020-21 in the MJHL, the end to last season may seem like a distant memory to most who have endured the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, including Ben Hilhorst who hopes to put last season behind him.

After spending his first two years in Neepawa, Hilhorst was traded early in his 19-year-old season to OCN where he capped off his first year in the north as Captain of the Blizzard.

“Towards the end of the year once we were eliminated from the race we were a bit discouraged,” Hilhorst said of the Blizzard in 2019-20. “We agreed that coming into next season, things had to change a lot.”

“At the start of summer there wasn’t a whole lot to do, lately I’ve just been trying to do as much as I can, trying to get prepared for the season as best as possible.”

Getting prepared for the upcoming season included recovering from ventral hernia surgery that was taken care of earlier this summer before the 6-foot-1, 195-pound defender could hit the ice for full contact.

Feeling healthy as he approaches his final season in the league, Hilhorst is ready to help lead the newest members of the OCN Blizzard.

“I’m very excited for this season, with it being my last year, I’m excited to be in the role of showing the ropes to the younger guys coming in. I’m going to try to take it all in and hopefully make a playoff run to finish it all off.”

“With the role I was given, I want to do as much as I can to guide the team in the right direction from the start of the season. Building our identity and turning the culture around is important. I’m trying to have a good year for myself as well to try and further my hockey career.”

Finishing 16-39-5-0 last season, the Blizzard missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year which triggered a change at the helm of the club. In mid-July, OCN announced the hiring of veteran MJHL coach, Billy Keane which Hilhorst says will be a welcomed addition.

“Coming off last year, a fresh start will be good for the team. Bringing some experience in with Billy behind the bench will be a positive shift for the team for sure. I think it will be great for us having him running the show. He’s had success coaching at numerous levels and I think it will be a big part of us molding our team and finding our identity.”

“Getting into the grind and being around with the guys is great. Going through it all with the team, I’m looking forward to doing it one more time,” Hilhorst concluded.

If there’s one feeling most players from the MJHL share in regards to the 2019-20 season, it would likely be the disappointment felt surrounding the end to the 2020 post-season.

When the global pandemic forced the league to cancel the remainder of playoffs, Lane Kirk and his Swan Valley Stampeders were fresh off a lopsided, 10-1, game three win over the Wolverines on home ice.

With a 2-1 series lead, Kirk and the rest of his teammates were poised to return to Waywayseecappo for game four when the hammer dropped on 2020.

“It wasn’t the news we were looking to hear after a game like that. We needed a bounce back game in game three and that’s what we got, to hear it was all over was definitely tough news,” Kirk explained.

Luckily for Kirk, things didn’t change too much when the season ended as the now 20-year-old veteran was able to continue his job. The one change Kirk has noticed, is when it comes to playing the game he loves in the midst of a global pandemic.

“I’ve been able to work throughout the whole pandemic at the local credit union here in Swan. I’ve been playing a lot of golf and working out. Other than that, it hasn’t been too much, just hanging around home.”

“I’ve been able to skate a few times in the city. It’s definitely different, you walk in one door and leave out a different one. There’s tape all over the floor, tape in the dressing rooms so you’re not sitting so close to your buddies, it’s a bit of a change.”

While there may be a difference from last season to now, Manitobans can feel fortunate that they’ve been afforded the opportunity to watch meaningful MJHL games come October.

It’s no different for Lane Kirk as he gets to do something only a handful of young kids can dream about. When he steps on the ice in 2020-21, it will be his fifth season playing for his hometown Stampeders which is something he didn’t think was possible.

“I don’t know if there’s words to describe it,” Kirk shared with a laugh. “It feels like its been a while, it being my last year I really can’t wait to get things under way. I don’t think we want ever to set the bar too high, but we’re definitely going to have a good squad here in Swan for my last year, anything’s possible.”

“It’s crazy to think about. Growing up as a kid you never know if you’ll ever make the team let alone play for them for five years. Being a home-town kid, it’s pretty crazy, I remember being a young guy sitting across from the 20-year-old’s who looked like they could be my dad and now I’m that guy,” Kirk concluded.

Courtesy of Canadian Junior Hockey League

CALGARY, Alta. – The Canadian Junior Hockey League announced Monday the coaching staffs of Canada East and Canada West, who had been chosen to guide their respective sides at the 2020 World Junior A Challenge, which was to have taken place this December in Cornwall, Ont., but was cancelled earlier this month due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Selected as head coach of Canada West was Brian Maloney (Chilliwack Chiefs) while his assistants were to be Paul Dyck (Steinbach Pistons/MJHL); Adam Manah (Sherwood Park Crusaders/AJHL) and Clayton Jardine (Camrose Kodiaks/AJHL).

As for Canada East, Martin Dagenais (Ottawa Jr. A Senators/CCHL) was tabbed as head coach for the 2020 team.

Chosen to work with Dagenais as assistant coaches were Corey Beer (Timmins Rock/NOJHL); Dan Sauve (Rockland Nationals/CCHL) and Simon Olivier (Everest de la Côte-du-Sud/LHJAAAQ).

“While the cancellation of the annual World Junior A Challenge is a disappointment, we are all supportive of the process undertaken to arrive at the decision and of the decision itself,” stated CJHL president Brent Ladds.

“Ensuring the safety of our athletes, officials, volunteers, staff and fans is paramount during these current conditions. We appreciate the support we received through the evaluation process from Hockey Canada and the National Hockey League,” added Ladds.

“We are grateful to the host committee in Cornwall, Ont., for their never wavering commitment and look forward to working with them again.”

The CJHL president also offered further sentiments.

“My sincere thanks to all the individuals who applied for positions with both Team East and Team West and to Mark Grady, director of operations for Team East, and Jamie McCaig, director of operations for Team West for their patience and efforts throughout this process.”

“I would like to extend my congratulations to all of the successful coaching applicants who would have been on-site for this year’s event. I know that in the tradition of the WJAC, the Canadian teams would have represented Hockey Canada, the CJHL and our country in a manner, that would have made us very proud.”

With their respective clubs in 2019-20, the eight coaches that were selected to be behind the bench at the 2020 WJAC, led their teams to a combined overall regular season record of 291-137-34, while producing a total winning percentage of .667.

“There was an extraordinary group of high-quality coaches that applied for positions with Team Canada East,” provided Grady, who was to head up the east.

“Three of the candidates who were selected for this year’s squad were members of Canada East in 2019 in Dawson Creek, B.C. where TCE fell short, in double overtime, against Russia in the gold medal game,” added Grady.

The fourth member of the 2020 staff, Simon Olivier from the QJAAAHL, was of great assistance in identifying players from Quebec for last year’s entry in Dawson Creek. All four of these men operate great programs in the CJHL and I look forward to working with all of them again in the future.”

For his part, McCaig too echoed the thoughts of both Ladds and Grady.

“Its unfortunate that the 2020 WJAC was officially cancelled, but in times like these, everyone’s health and safety is much more important,” said McCaig.

“Having said that, we felt that announcing our selected staff was the right thing to do for the successful candidates, their respective club teams as well as their respective leagues,” he added.

“At the conclusion of a very thorough application and interview process, I am confident that we selected a first-class staff that would have represented the west very well.  All of these coaches deserve the honour and recognition that comes with being associated with Hockey Canada and the CJHL.”

Cornwall is expected to host the 2021 World Jr. A Challenge at a yet to be determined date.

With a few games remaining in the 2019-20 MJHL regular season, the Selkirk Steelers held their own playoff destiny and just couldn’t quite find their way into the eighth and final spot.

For Blake Burr and his Selkirk Steelers, the end of their season came much quicker than anticipated but certainly poured plenty of fuel on the fire to find success in 2020-21.

“It was a tough end to our season,” Burr shared of missing the post-season. “We lost some guys at the trade deadline, we were playing well and the last month things turned and didn’t go our way. It was frustrating but it makes me want to do a lot better this year.”

“In Manitoba we’ve been lucky. I’ve been training and skating hard. For me the on ice is the same, but no showering after is different so you have to go home not smelling the best but other than that it’s pretty much the same.”

Last year was the first time Selkirk missed the playoffs since the 2013-14 season. Burr said getting back into the upper echelon of the league is something that’s important for the Steelers who will look to make an impact when the puck drops on October 9th.

“I’m extremely excited, especially with the NHL on right now it makes you want it even more. With the way last year ended, you just want to get back out there, I’m looking forward to it.”

“Seeing the guys is a big part of it, being able to get out there and compete. It’s just something about it that’s really exciting.”

The feedback from players around the league has been similar – Manitoba is extremely fortunate to have a season and it’s something no one is taking for granted.

In Burr’s first two season’s in the MJHL, he posted back to back years with 24 assists. The biggest impact Burr made with the Steelers in year two was lighting the lamp 28 times, a 19-goal increase from his Rookie season and good enough for ninth in the MJHL.

“I was depended on a little more, I got a few more opportunities that I was able to take advantage of. Playing with some good players that I built some chemistry with helped but team success is much more important.”

“We want to set the expectations high, that’s really important, so you have something to work towards and keep up to. Hopefully we can put up a lot of wins this year and be in contention,” Burr concluded.

WINNIPEG, MB – The Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) is excited to officially announce the 2020-21 COVID-19 Modified Regular Season Schedule.

The 2020-21 regular season schedule has been significantly modified for the upcoming season from previous seasons with the health and safety of everyone involved being the number one priority.

“In the course of our planning for the upcoming season, it became clear that we had to further self-impose schedule modifications and restrictions to ensure that we were moving forward in a safe, structured and responsible manner.” stated MJHL Commissioner Kevin Saurette.  “Each organization is to be commended for their absolute commitment to providing players with a safe development opportunity on and off the ice in the face of the difficult challenges ahead.”

The schedule will span over 22 weekends beginning on October 9th and ending on March 13th.

The schedule is split into four five week blocks separated by breaks in the schedule.  The first self-imposed break is in the middle of November, followed by the traditional Christmas break and a further self-imposed break at the beginning of February.  The implementation of breaks were essential to provide a necessary buffer to recover from potential COVID-19 implications and/or weather related disruption.

2020-21 MJHL Regular Season Schedule

The schedule will be formatted into three four-team divisions to allow for:

• Significantly limited provincial travel for teams.
• Significantly minimizing the number of teams playing each other over a short period of time.
• Significantly minimizing risk of exposure between teams.
• Significantly reducing the number of potentially postponed (or cancelled) games due to potential COVID-19 implications.

Divisions

Northwest (Dauphin, OCN, Swan Valley, Wayway)

Interior (Neepawa, Portage, Virden, Winkler)

Southeast (Selkirk, Steinbach, Winnipeg Blues, Winnipeg Freeze)

Schedule Format

Each team will play the other three teams within their division eight times during the regular season (Four Home/Four Away).

Each team will play the eight teams outside of their division twice during the season.

Each team will play a 40-game regular season schedule which has been significantly reduced from the standard 60 game regular season schedule (20 Home/Twenty Away).

Each team will play two games a week and will only face one team each week.

Each team will play all of their games almost exclusively during the weekend this season (Friday, Saturday and/or Sunday).

Games scheduled within a teams own division are almost exclusively arranged in four game, two week blocks.

Playoff Format to be announced in the coming weeks.

As is the case for everyone throughout the province and beyond, these past months during the COVID-19 pandemic have placed significant financial stress on each MJHL team and community.  Additional stress will be felt as each organization prepares for what will be required for the upcoming season to ensure we return to hockey in a safe, controlled and responsible manner.  Teams will need and deserve all the necessary support they can be afforded during this difficult time as we prepare to return to the game we all love.

2020-21 Expansion Franchise Update

As earlier announced, an expansion franchise (Winnipeg Freeze) has been awarded to 50 Below Sports + Entertainment for the 2020-21 season and will join the MJHL as the 12^th franchise for the upcoming season. The Winnipeg Freeze have also recently announced that they have named Josh Green as the first Head Coach and General Manager in franchise history.

The 50 Below Sports and Entertainment ownership team are familiar to the MJHL as they also own the Winnipeg Blues franchise.

The Winnipeg Freeze have been very busy moving forward with all necessary business and hockey operations planning as a new member of the Manitoba Junior Hockey league in preparation for the upcoming season – This includes building a successful team on and off the ice.

Please note the below points as it relates to Winnipeg Freeze Hockey Operations planning and building a competitive team for the upcoming season:

The Winnipeg Freeze are eligible to protect any un-listed free agents.

The Winnipeg Freeze are eligible to acquire players via trade.

The Winnipeg Freeze have been allotted six compensatory draft picks (to be implemented at the end of each of the six rounds for the upcoming MJHL Draft) in addition to the six customary draft picks as a member of the MJHL.  The compensatory picks may only be traded by the Winnipeg Freeze to another member team in the MJHL with the exception of the Winnipeg Blues – If a compensatory pick is not traded prior to the upcoming MJHL Draft, the pick will vanish.

Player movement between the Winnipeg Blues and Winnipeg Freeze will not be permitted after October 9^th.

The Winnipeg Freeze have held a Player Identification Camp in preparation for the upcoming season which concludes today.

Please stay tuned for further exciting announcements in the coming days as we mover closer to Opening Weekend of the 2020-21 MJHL Season!

Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Freeze Hockey Club announced today that Josh Green will be the first Head Coach and General Manager in franchise history.

Green becomes the Head Coach and General Manager of the Winnipeg Freeze after spending one season as an assistant coach with the Winnipeg ICE in the Western Hockey League.  Before that, Josh spent one season as an assistant coach of the Winnipeg Blues in the MJHL in 2018-19.

“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to be a head coach,” Said Josh Green.  “It’s a great opportunity to work and develop young hockey players who are looking to forward their hockey careers”

Prior to coaching, Josh Green’s playing career included five seasons in the WHL with the Medicine Hat Tigers, Swift Current Broncos and Portland Winterhawks. He was close to a point per game player in the WHL registering 142 goals and 136 assists for 278 points in 282 games. Josh was selected in the second round (30th overall) by the Los Angeles Kings in the 1996 NHL Draft. Josh played parts of nine seasons in the NHL (with Los Angeles, the New York Islanders, the New York Rangers, Edmonton, Washington,, Calgary and Vancouver) collecting 36 goals and 76 points in 341 games.

In addition to his time in the NHL, Josh also played 435 games in the American Hockey League and 278 games in Europe.

It’s been well over five months since the COVID-19 Pandemic forced the MJHL to shut down in the middle of the post-season with no return in sight.

For Jack Einarson and his Virden Oil Capitals, they were getting set for a pivotal game in their first round playoff series against the Winkler Flyers when it all came to an end. At the time, Virden held a 2-1 series lead and had set themselves up in a great position ahead of game four on home ice.

“It was crazy, we were getting ready to play game four and we got a text from our coach that we had a meeting at the rink right away, so it came to a stop quick that day,” shared Oil Capitals veteran, Jack Einarson. “It was pretty tough being right in middle of playoffs, we had to pack up and go home the next day.”

“I’ve just been working at the golf course, been golfing a lot and going to the gym. I’ve been trying to get back into the gym as much as possible this summer.”

When Einarson returns to the Southwest corner of the province in September, he’ll take to the ice for his fourth full season in the league. It’s something that’s been in the back of his mind since the abrupt ending to last season.

“I’m really excited to get the season going. From the unfortunate end to last year not getting any closure, I’m just excited to get back with the guys to the rink and to get the season going. I’m a really competitive guy when it comes to winning, it’s really great coming to the rink everyday and being with the guys.”

The 20-year-old forward saw another increase in point production last season, hitting the 20-goal mark for the first time in his career. Einarson also earned a spot on the 2020 MJHL | SJHL Showcase roster along with six of his Oil Caps’ teammates.

“I think it’s one hundred percent confidence,” Einarson shared of his personal success last season. “Over the years in Virden I’ve got more comfortable with more minutes in different situations. My confidence has gone up and that helped a lot last season.”

“We’re going to be a good team this year, we have a lot of returning guys so we’re looking to be one of the top teams. I think we’re going to do some interesting things this year. I’ve been looking forward to it all summer,” Einarson concluded.

In his first three seasons with Virden, Einarson and his Oil Capitals made the organizations first trip to the league final in 2017-18 during his rookie campaign, and have since followed that up with two straight trips to the postseason.

WINNIPEG, MB – The Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) is proud to announce that an expansion franchise has been awarded to 50 Below Sports + Entertainment for the upcoming 2020-21 season – The new franchise will operate within the Winnipeg market.

The 12th MJHL franchise will enhance the flexibility needed to provide a schedule that reduces travel and assists with divisional alignment; both critical components to executing the MJHL approved Phase II Return to Play Plan.

“50 Below Sports + Entertainment, along with all of our member clubs, have really stepped up and put the players first to provide safe and competitive development conditions,” said Kevin Saurette, MJHL Commissioner. “These are trying times as teams continue with necessary preparations for the difficult season ahead as we are all committed to developing our players in a safe, structured and responsible environment.”

Adding a second team in Winnipeg, led by a strong management and ownership team, provides further development opportunities for Manitoba hockey players to play elite Junior A Hockey within the province.

With the announcement, the MJHL returns to a 12-team league for the first time since the 2002-2003 season.

Please stay tuned for further exciting announcements from 50 Below Sports & Entertainment regarding the new Winnipeg MJHL Franchise in the coming days.

MJHL Set to Release 2020-2021 Schedule

The 2020-21 COVID-19 season schedule has been finalized and will be significantly modified from previous seasons to mitigate risk of spread or potential contact between multiple teams while allowing for minimal disruption of the schedule in the event of a positive COVID-19 case.  Full schedule announcement will be made next week.

MJHL Regular Season set to begin on Friday, October 9th.

MJHL Main Camps will begin on September 18th with no more than 34 players in attendance. Teams will play no more than three exhibition games in advance of the MJHL Regular Season.

Prospect Camps currently being held by MJHL teams in advance of September 18th and are following the MJHL Return to Play – Phase I Guidelines which have been in place since June 26th.  Full contact is not permitted during these camps.

As is the case for everyone throughout the province and beyond, these past months during the COVID-19 pandemic have placed significant financial stress on each MJHL team and community.  Additional stress will be felt as each organization prepares for what will be required for the upcoming season to ensure we return to hockey in a safe, controlled and responsible manner.

Each organization is to be commended for their absolute commitment to providing elite development opportunities both on and off the ice in the face of these financial challenges with the health and safety of all involved always being the number one priority. Teams will need and deserve all the support they can be afforded during this difficult time as we prepare to return to the game we all love.

Please stay tuned for further MJHL announcements in the coming weeks.

About the MJHL                                                                                                           

The Manitoba Junior Hockey League is one of ten Junior ‘A’ Hockey Leagues in Canada and is a proud member of the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL).  The goal of the MJHL is to develop elite players and ultimately have them develop into elite citizens who make a positive contribution to their community – To provide fans, communities and supporters with the best possible hockey product through dedication to improvement in all areas of the game both on and off the ice.

Mission Statement

To provide each MJHL player with an elite hockey development experience with a strong emphasis on education and positive citizenship. To deliver exciting Junior ‘A’ hockey action to fans throughout the province and enhance Manitoba communities in the spirit of sports excellence and goodwill.

Courtesy of Canadian Junior Hockey League

CALGARY, Alta. – Following the cancellation of the 2019-20 hockey season and all national championships in March, Hockey Canada has worked tirelessly with its host organizing committees for 2020 and beyond.

While a tremendous amount of work has gone into planning the fall 2020 events, the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created a position where there is no further option other than to cancel three events, instead planning for their return in 2021 to the following communities:

•    2020 World Junior A Challenge, Dec. 13-20 in Cornwall, Ont.
•    2020 National Women’s Under-18 Championship, Nov. 2-8 in Dawson Creek, B.C.
•    2020 Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup, Dec. 6-12 in Bridgewater, N.S.

The following statement is on behalf of Hockey Canada from Tom Renney, chief executive officer, and Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer:

“At various rates, provinces from coast-to-coast-to-coast have started moving ahead with their phased re-opening, but as it has been since the season was cancelled, Hockey Canada’s priority remains the health and safety of all participants and the general public. We believe the decision to cancel these three events is the safest decision given the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic at the local level, as well as the international implications associated with these events.

Hockey Canada is grateful for the continued support of our local host committees and event partners, including BC Hockey, Hockey Nova Scotia, Hockey Eastern Ontario, NHL Central Scouting, the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) and the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL). We appreciate the commitment and support of everyone involved and we look forward to showcasing some incredible hockey to fans next year.”

If last season’s performance from the Waywayseecappo Wolverines was any indication of what fans can expect in 2020-21, they could certainly be in for another strong season with a chance to make another jump.

Finishing with 8 wins just three seasons ago, the Wolverines put together their second best performance in their 21-year history last year, going 32-21-5-2, good enough for a fifth place finish. A piece of the Wolverines puzzle who is set to embark on his third and final season with the club is none other than Gerrik Ripley.

At the time of the league shutdown, the Wolverines had just lost game three of their best-of-seven series to the Swan Valley Stampeders after picking up the organizations first playoff victory in seven years during game two in Waywayseecappo.

“It all came so fast for everyone,” Ripley spoke of the abrupt ending to last season’s playoff series. “When playoffs started, no one imagined that the season would end. We got two games in and then you think okay, maybe we could actually get shut down.”

“You didn’t really have time to think about it until after. In the moment, it all happened so fast and it hits quick.”

The product of Leduc, Alberta, who served as an assistant captain for the club in 2019-20 says he took advantage of the situation and has been hard at work in the gym and on the ice in preparation for the new season.

“I have a home gym in my basement so I’ve been busy since I got home working out. I’ve been on the ice 4-5 times a week since around the end of July. I’m pumped to get back into things and get the season going, I had a good off season of training.”

It’s no surprise to hear excitement building across the league with the upcoming season around the corner and it’s no different for Ripley and the Wolverines who will try and build off of last seasons success.

“Everyone’s excited to get going. We’re pumped to be one of the only league’s starting. The disappointment with how things ended last year fuels the fire for this upcoming season, we’re ready to go.”

“It’s just being around the team and building those relationships with the guys. I can’t wait to get back and see everyone. I’m really excited to see everyone coming back, I don’t think there’s a lot of pressure on us but we’re definitely going to have a good club and we’ll be ready to go when the puck drops on October 9,” Ripley concluded.

Coming into the 2019-20 season, the Winnipeg Blues saw a change in ownership, new colours, an updated logo and a completely new coaching staff.

Along with those changes came a large roster turnover. With expectations that there could be some growing pains for the youthful lineup from Winnipeg, came a chance to prove the naysayers wrong.

“Our big thing all year long was turn heads and prove we belong here,” shared Blues Captain, Brayden Foreman. “We were counted out from the start of the year, no one thought we would do anything with such a young team we brought in.”

“We made a trade for Mitchell Joss and him and Mikol Sartor were unbelievable for us last year. The last fifteen games of the year we were twelve or fourteen points out and Selkirk started to lose. We realized we really have an opportunity to make some noise. Getting those games and experience in the playoffs was huge for our young guys.”

Turn heads they did. Foreman and his Blues squad put together an impressive string of games down the stretch drive and beat the Selkirk Steelers in back-to-back games overtime contests to put the Blues in the eighth and final playoff spot.

While their season ended shortly before the league-wide shutdown after being swept by the Steinbach Pistons in the opening round of the playoffs, Foreman has stayed busy this summer and has been anxiously waiting for the puck to drop on a new season.

“It started slow but once everything started opening up I got a job at the rink and I’ve been working out and skating there every day. I’ve been pretty occupied so it’s been good for sure.”

“It’s something on my mind every day, I think a lot of our guys are really anxious to get started. I’ve been skating with a lot of my teammates over the summer and we’re just ready to get going. Once we all get back into the rink together and start practicing that excitement will be going around, it’s going to be a great time.”

In 2019-20, Foreman nearly doubled his offensive output, putting together 17 goals and 45 assists in 52 games. The soon-to-be 19-year-old was quick to credit his linemates when asked of his success and shared his hopes of turning some more heads in 2020-21.

“I think I gained a lot of confidence being put in a leadership role and being relied on by the coaching staff and my teammates. At the same time I was playing with two really good hockey players. I also spent time with Josiah Vanderhoft, we found instant chemistry after we acquired him in a trade.”

“We’re bringing back a young team with a good amount of veterans. Those veterans will be relied upon heavily to mentor the young guys and teach them how the league works. I think we will look to take that next step and turn some heads once again,” Foreman concluded.

After sweeping the Winnipeg Blues in four straight games to open their 2020 playoff run, the Steinbach Pistons hopes of returning to the Turnbull Cup Championship series were also swept away in the process.

Just one day after their opening round series victory, Pistons veteran, Curtis Ireland and the rest of his teammates would receive news that the remainder of playoffs would be canceled.

“We felt pretty good about our team, we were playing some good playoff hockey,” Ireland said. “There was a lot of friendship and camaraderie that was going on in the season. After game four we heard some stuff going around and then a few things were coming out, we kind of had a feeling that we were going to get cancelled and it was pretty disappointing. It was understandable but still pretty tough finding that out.”

Following his return home where he spent a couple of months close to family, Ireland was able to return to a new normal on and off the ice as restrictions loosened around the province.

“When everything came to a halt, I came home and spent time with family. From there I got a job with the City of Winnipeg and I’ve been skating and training for a couple months, it’s been a good summer overall.”

“I think all hockey players were pretty eager to get back on the ice, nothing too much has changed and you still have to play hockey. There’s rules around the rink and in the dressing room to follow, it’s not too different for the most part.”

As the season inches closer, the excitement felt around the league is palpable. While a big part of the junior hockey experience is playing games, Ireland looked beyond that and shared his excitement to resume the relationships he’s built in Steinbach.

“Just seeing a few other leagues have been postponed, it’s going to be so exciting to get back with the team and see everyone you don’t get to see all the summer like my billets and coaches. A lot of guys I have really good friendships with, and not being able to see them has been tough. It’s really exciting to for sure.”

“For me there’s a lot of people that make junior hockey, the people in the community and people that are close to the team as well. You hang out with the guys and play a sixty game season, practice, work out and train with them everyday. You become really close with them and it’s obviously really fun when you’re with them all the time.”

While the disappointment in last seasons ending may sting for some, Ireland isn’t too worried about that. According to the veteran blue-liner, he’s going to control what he can control and let everything else take care of itself.

“I’m not going to worry about outside factors, I’m just going to be true to myself and play my game while being responsible defensively. I’ve been with Steinbach for quite a while now so being really familiar with the team helps. Being a role model, a leader and an acting member in the community is important.”

“We’ve always been competitive and always have had that type of team. We want to be a hard-working, hard-nosed team to play against that other teams know they’re in for a battle when they play us. Paul (Dyck) does a great job with us,” Ireland finished.

For players, staff and fans of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, it’s safe to say that the start of the 2020-21 regular season can’t come soon enough.

While Neepawa may have finished in eleventh for the second straight year, the organization made some important strides toward the end of their 2019-20 season. A big part of that growth was due to the play of Saskatoon native, Eli Lieffers.

“Last year was tough, there was a lot of one goal games,” Lieffers shared from his home in Saskatoon. “It was a good sign that we weren’t getting blown out every game, we were in most games. We were really focused on the community and giving back to the people of Neepawa.”

“We’ve been looking forward to this year after being eliminated from contention earlier last season. I think this coming season will be really good and we look forward to taking another step.”

Not only did the team take strides in a positive direction on the ice, Lieffers enjoyed his most successful season in the MJHL, leading his club in scoring with 19 goals and 24 assists. Knowing well that the 2020-21 season will be his final lap in junior hockey, Lieffers has committed himself to the game.

“I had a better individual year last season, I was able to put the puck in the net more. This year I’ll be looking to step into more of a leadership role, hopefully get some wins for the people of Neepawa and get into a playoff spot. It was a big summer for myself and a lot of guys on our team. This year coming back, I tried to get faster and stronger in the gym.”

When asked about getting the chance to return to hockey in today’s new normal, Lieffers couldn’t hold back his excitement when thinking of puck drop on October 9.

“I think about it everyday. I talk to the guys on the team almost every day about we want to do this season. It’s really exciting and we’re really looking forward to it. Ever since I got to Neepawa I’ve been blessed with the best billet parents I could ask for. I’m excited to see them, really everyone in Neepawa is a friendly face.”

“Kenny (Ken Pearson) and Robby (Robby Moar) have been doing great, we made some trades, have some key returning guys. Ever since I’ve been in Neepawa, we haven’t had a winning team, but coming into this season a big focus will be on the team coming together and gelling. I think we will come together and put some wins together, it should be a really good year,” Lieffers concluded.

Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Blues Hockey Club announced today that General Manager Taras McEwen will assume the responsibilities as Head Coach for the 2020-2021 season.

McEwen takes over as head coach with a lot of experience behind the bench.  He was the head coach of Fort Knox for a year before moving on to being an assistant coach for Team Saskatchewan for two years.  McEwen also spent time as the assistant coach of the Notre Dame Hounds in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League for one season before moving on to becoming the Manager of Scouting for the ICE Franchise in 2016.

“I am extremely excited to step into the position as head coach,” Said Taras McEwen.  “It’s a great opportunity to work hand in hand with a young group of players who want to make it to the next level.”

The Winnipeg Blues have also announced that Zach Heisinger will join McEwen behind the bench as an assistant coach for the upcoming season.

He was the assistant coach for Vincent Massey in the Winnipeg High School League. Before then, he spent two seasons as an assistant coach for the Fort Garry Twins in the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League. Zach spent three seasons in the MJHL playing for the Winkler Flyers and Neepawa Natives.

“I am excited to have Zach join our staff.” Said head coach and general manager Taras McEwen. “Zach has a passion for the game and will be a great fit for our program.”

He had just completed his fourth regular season in the MJHL and was fresh off of scoring the game winner in double overtime during the Dauphin Kings first round playoff series against the Portage Terriers when everything came to an end.

A product of Deloraine, Manitoba, Grady Hobbs had a season he will never forget, and it wasn’t entirely due to the global pandemic.

Hobbs announced his commitment to play NCAA Division I Hockey for the RIT Tigers in early February before being named as the MJHL’s Most Valuable Player in a season where the speedy forward scored 43 goals to lead the league and was named as a First Team All-Star.

“It wasn’t the nicest goal I’ve ever scored but I’ll take it,” Hobbs said of his overtime winner in round one against Portage. “It was off a rebound and it came right to my stick, I stopped at the net and it was a tap in into the open net. The next day Winkler and Virden were postponed and then later that next day we found out the season was over, it was a weird way to end things.”

Like many other junior players, Hobbs found himself back at home earlier than expected. The 20-year-old shared what’s been keeping him busy and spoke about getting back on the ice in today’s new normal.

“Mostly I keep busy by helping my dad on the farm, it was nice when I got home with everything shut down, I always had something to do around here.”

“I’ve been working out lots and doing power skating, it’s mostly been the same,” Hobbs said of being on the ice during the pandemic. “There’s certain protocols to follow, not being able to shower after is a bit different but it is what it is. At least we can still get on the ice and not get too rusty.”

When Hobbs made his commitment to RIT in February, the expectation was for him to make the jump for the 2020-21 season. That decision changed with the amount of uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 situation south of the Canadian border.

“There was a few conversations between myself, my parents and coaches. We just mutually agreed that me staying was the better option because of so much unknown. I just felt like it was safer being close to family with less risk involved.”

When the puck drops on the 2020-21 season, Hobbs will enter his fifth season with the Dauphin Kings, something only a handful of players get the chance to do. Should Hobbs suit up in every game game this season, he will enter the top 10 in all-time MJHL games played.

“I’m really looking forward to it, you don’t realize how much you miss playing in those big games until you get away from it for a while. I’m definitely itching to get back with all my teammates and meet my new ones.”

“I miss the compete level, having to be prepared and having the games to look forward to, it’s exciting you always have something to look forward to.”

According to Hobbs, if there’s one thing left for him to mark off on his MJHL checklist, it involves making a deep run into April.

“Personally I hope to carry over success from last year and do everything I can to help the team win. I think we’ll have a really good team, my main goal for us is to try and win the Turnbull Cup,” Hobbs concluded.

Courtesy of OCN Blizzard

OCN Blizzard Junior A club of Manitoba Junior Hockey League are seeking Applications for Athletic Therapist/Equipment Manager/Trainer for upcoming Season 2020-2021.

Requirements:  Certified Athletic Therapist, First Aid, and CPR

Job Description:  The Athletic Therapist/Equipment Manager/Trainer is responsible for the physical care of the athletes and maintenance of equipment. This position requires non-standard hours. We welcome and encourage applications from all persons of Canadian Citizenship.

The Athletic Therapist/ Equipment Manager/Trainer will work under the direction of the Head Coach/General Manger and assume duties as assigned by the Head Coach/General Manager on a daily basis. Job duties shall include but are not limited to:

• Work cooperatively with the Coaches, and accepts duties as assigned by the General Manager.
• Familiar with Skate sharpening equipment. Perform skate sharpening duties.
• Ensure the dressing room is properly organized and assist co-ordination of cleaning daily.
• Co-ordinate the loading and unloading of bus for all road trips with the team’s Coaching Staff.
• Co-ordinate and complete daily laundry duties.
• Co-ordinate the maintenance and distribution of team equipment with the Head Coach/GM.
• Ensure equipment is repaired or replaced as needed.
• Implement an effective Risk Management program with your team that strives to prevent injuries and accidents.
• Assume a proactive role in identifying and minimizing or eliminating risks during all activities.
• Conduct regular checks of players’ equipment to ensure proper fit, protective quality and maintenance, and advise Coaches regarding the selection or replacement of equipment.
• Maintain accurate medical information files on all players and team officials and bring these to Coaches and General Manager Attention.
• Maintain a Player Injury Log.
• Maintain a fully stocked First Aid Kit and bring it to all team activities.
• Implement an effective Emergency Action Plan with your team and practice it regularly to ensure all involved understand their roles and are prepared to act promptly when an incident occurs.
• Manage minor injuries according to basic injury management principles.
• Recognize injuries that require a player to be removed from action. Refer players to medical professionals and coordinate return to play.
• Promote a healthy lifestyle with all hockey participants by being a good role model and by educating participants regarding hygiene, performance-enhancing substances, drug and alcohol abuse, nutrition and hydration.
• Act as a Hockey Trainer for both your team and your opponents if only one Hockey Trainer is present.
• Other duties as assigned.

Salary will depend on Education and Experience.

Please forward resumes to:

Billy Keane

GM and Head Coach

OCN Blizzard Junior A Hockey Club

Email: Keane5@mymts.net

Cell: 204 250 5565

Courtesy of OCN Blizzard

OCN Blizzard management has released Chris Perchaluk from his role as General Manager and Head Coach of the Blizzard. Chris Perchaluk took over a bigger role as Head Coach mid season 2019-2020. During the 2019-2020 season, the Blizzard were unable to grab a spot in the playoffs despite having a strong start at the beginning of the season. “Chris stepped forward mid-season and took over a bigger role, but we are so far behind in our standings and performance that we feel it’s time to bring more experience and seasoned leadership to the organization. The Blizzard have a glorious past and it’s time to reclaim that. We wish Chris best of luck for future” said owners, Salman and Usman Dhillon.

The OCN Blizzard have announced the hiring of Billy Keane from Winnipeg Manitoba as Head Coach and General Manager of the club. Billy Keane is a well-known name in Junior Hockey and has been coaching since 1989. He has coached the Winnipeg Monarchs, held positions as Assistant Coach of the University of Manitoba and Head Coach of the Winnipeg Saints, Winnipeg South Blues and Head Coach and General Manager of Winnipeg Blues in his extensive career in hockey.  Greg Hunter is also coming back to the Club as Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager. Greg Hunter has been involved with the team for more than 20 years and held the position of Assistant Coach during the Blizzard’s championship runs.

OCN Blizzard is celebrating its 25^th year anniversary this year and hoping to make a strong comeback in the season 2020-2021.

For additional questions and queries, please contact Billy Keane OCN Blizzard General Manager and Head Coach at (204) 250 5565.

Courtesy of the Winnipeg Blues

Winnipeg Blues Head Coach, Gord Burnett has accepted a position with the Moose Jaw Warriors in the Western Hockey League.

Gord will move into the role of Assistant Coach for the Warriors.  Gord led the Blues to a 24-29-6-1 record and a playoff berth in his first season as the team’s head coach.

“This is an opportunity for Gord to move to the next level and we are very excited for him,” said Taras McEwen, Blues General Manager. “Anytime a player, coach, or member of your staff is able to move to the next level it is something that we are excited to celebrate as an organization.”

McEwen added, “We will take some time to evaluate the current position and be patient with the process of naming a new head coach.”

WINNIPEG, MB – The Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) conducted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 24, 2020 utilizing video conferencing involving the league office and the eleven member teams.

“These are unique times, however the leadership, positivity and professionalism shown from each MJHL Governor under these circumstances is to be commended,” Kevin Saurette, MJHL Commissioner explained.

Below are highlights from the AGM as well as initiatives that will be in place as the league prepares for the upcoming season of exciting MJHL Hockey.

Commissioner Update

After 18 years as Commissioner of the MJHL, Kim Davis officially punched the clock one last time on June 30 to make way for incoming Commissioner, Kevin Saurette, who served as the MJHL’s Director of Operations for the past four seasons.

Kim’s dedication, integrity, leadership, commitment, countless hours of hard work and everything in between has brought the MJHL to where it is today.

Twenty-Year Old Players

Member clubs will be permitted to roster a maximum of six (6) 20 year-old players for the 2020 – 2021 season.

2020/21 Schedule Update

The 2020/21 MJHL Season is currently being finalized with an expected start date of Friday, September 25^th – Stay tuned for the full schedule release in the coming weeks.

MJHL Return to Play – Phase I Guidelines

On June 19^th, the MJHL submitted a Return to Play (RTP) – Phase I Guidelines for review by the Provincial Health Authorities – Return to Sport Review Committee and Sport Manitoba.  The RTP Guidelines were approved on June 26^th effective immediately.

The RTP Guidelines allow teams the opportunity to plan, promote and return to sanctioned summer activity in preparation for the upcoming season as it relates to Off-Ice Training Sessions/On-Ice Practice Sessions/Prospect Camps/Development Camps, etc while following all necessary safety guidelines as outlined – Players, coaches, managers, staff, training staff and medical personnel employed by, affiliated with or invited by a MJHL team or the MJHL may attend a facility for the purposes of off-ice training activity and on-ice activity.

Return To Play – PHASE II Guidelines will be presented for review in the coming weeks in which will include our full plan for return to hockey in September.

Rookie of the Year – Kim Davis Trophy

The MJHL had one of its major individual player awards that required naming. As such, the award and trophy for the league’s top rookie going forward will be named in honour of outgoing 18-year MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis.

HockeyTech Agreement

The MJHL has entered into a new 5-year agreement with HockeyTech which includes their full suite of leading-edge hockey-related technologies, analytics and HockeyTV broadcast platform.  Stay tuned for the full announcement.

2020 MJHL Prospect Development Camp

After three very successful MJHL Prospect Development Camps, the MJHL is proud to announce that the 2020 MJHL Prospect Development Camp will take place once again this summer in Winnipeg at the impressive Seven Oaks Arena Complex from July 23rd – 25th.

The MJHL Prospect Development Camp provides the next generation of MJHL Players with the knowledge and resources to be successful both on and off the ice, an experience of what MJHL Hockey is all about, an opportunity to work with top level coaches and players and the platform to showcase themselves to coaches and scouts from all levels.

The camp is by invite only geared towards current MJHL Prospects born in the years 2003 and 2004 who are eligible to play in the MJHL for the upcoming 2020/21 season.

Department of Player Safety

The MJHL Department of Player Safety (DOPS) will continue to apply strict disciplinary and education measures to ensure players can play in an appropriate on-ice environment to support the successful development of our athletes.  The DOPS will be responsible for visiting each team during their training camps in order to review and set expectations of compliance to the Junior A Supplement in its entirety with the players and coaching staff.

Team Personnel Code of Conduct

The MJHL has instituted a mandatory Team Personnel Code of Conduct which identifies the standard of behaviour which is expected of all MJHL Team Personnel.  This is in addition to all hockey staff members who have in person contact with players having a completed criminal record check (CRC) for the upcoming season.

The purpose of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) Code of Conduct (the “Code”) is to ensure a safe and positive environment within MJHL programs, activities and events by making individuals aware that there is an expectation, at all times both on and off the ice, of appropriate behavior consistent with the MJHL’s core values. The MJHL and its Member Clubs are committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and in an environment free from bullying, harassment and abuse.

This Code applies to all Member Team Personnel while they are affiliated in any capacity with the MJHL including without limitation, while they are participating in any MJHL Program.

Stay tuned for more exciting announcements as we progress through the summer.

ABOUT THE MJHL
The Manitoba Junior Hockey League is one of ten Junior ‘A’ Hockey Leagues in Canada and is a proud member of the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) – Our goal is to develop elite players and ultimately have them develop into elite citizens who make a positive contribution to their community. To provide fans, communities and supporters with the best possible hockey product through dedication to improvement in all areas of the game both on and off the ice.

MISSION STATEMENT
To provide each MJHL player with an elite hockey development experience with a strong emphasis on education and positive citizenship. To deliver exciting Junior ‘A’ hockey action to fans throughout the province and enhance Manitoba communities in the spirit of sports excellence and goodwill.

WINNIPEG, MB – The Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) is excited to announce its first ever MJHL Roundtable Webinar Series set for June 22-24.

Moderated by well renowned broadcaster, speaker and emcee, Leah Hextall, the MJHL’s goal of the webinar series is to provide the hockey community with valuable information and insight through informative discussion, stories and advice involving accomplished athletes, coaches, professionals and role models.  The guests include current & former Olympians, current NHL players & coaches along with presentations from experts in Mental Health, Physical Literacy and Social Media.

“The webinar series should be a fun and informative experience for everyone involved and it will be free for anyone to join in,” shared MJHL Director of Operations, Kevin Saurette. “Hosting this event gives us the opportunity to do something positive for the hockey community in what has been a difficult and uncertain time.  We are very ecstatic at the lineup of amazing guests scheduled for this event and can’t wait for it to start.”

During each day of the Roundtable series, two nightly seminars will take place that feature a different area of focus. There will also be an opportunity to donate, with proceeds going towards COVID-19 support for the MJHL and its 11 member teams as preparations are underway for the 2020/21 MJHL season.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER | CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Session 1  | Women’s Hockey

Guest Panel: Cassie Campbell-Pascall – Brigette Lacquette – Marie-Philip Poulin

All three women have been instrumental in helping grow the women’s game in Canada. The opening session will feature great stories, grassroots development talk, and a discussion on the state of the women’s game.

Session 2 | Mental Health

Guest Panel: Corey Hirsch & Theo Fleury

Two former NHL/Olympic athletes who now find themselves as mental health advocates will share their personal stories while providing insight on how to help conquer mental health struggles.

Session 3 | Player/Coach Dynamic

Guest Panel: Barry Trotz – Ryan Pulock

Two Manitoba born members of the New York Islanders will share stories, discuss their player-coach relationship, and talk about what’s required to make it to the next level.

Session 4 | Physical Literacy/Performance

Guest Panel: Dr. Dean Kriellaars

World renowned doctor, Dean Kriellaars, whose teaching fields include exercise & physical activity, biomechanics and neuromuscular control will share valuable information with a specific focus on physical performance.

Session 5 | Social Media

Guest Panel: Dan Marrazza

Emmy award winning social media specialist, Dan Marrazza will provide a vast range of knowledge from the world of multimedia, including tips on how teams can collaborate with hockey ops to build out the internal infrastructure of a social media department. A must watch for any social media enthusiast.

Session 6 | Coaches Prospective

Guest Panel: Paul Maurice & Sheldon Keefe

Two Head Coaches from Canadian markets in the National Hockey League will cap off the Roundtable Series with a coach focused discussion. Topics will include what coaches are looking for at the next level along with other tips and advice that will help young players along their hockey journey.

ABOUT THE MJHL

The Manitoba Junior Hockey League is one of ten Junior ‘A’ Hockey Leagues in Canada and is a proud member of the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) – Our goal is to develop elite players and ultimately have them develop into elite citizens who make a positive contribution to their community. To provide fans, communities and supporters with the best possible hockey product through dedication to improvement in all areas of the game both on and off the ice.

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide each MJHL player with an elite hockey development experience with a strong emphasis on education and positive citizenship. To deliver exciting Junior ‘A’ hockey action to fans throughout the province and enhance Manitoba communities in the spirit of sports excellence and goodwill.

WINNIPEG, MB, – Hockey fans from across Canada were pleased to receive some positive news on Thursday morning when Hockey Canada announced how each province will move forward and determine when it is safe to return to the ice this fall.

“This is an exciting and important first step on the way back to sanctioned hockey activity returning to the province of Manitoba,” MJHL Director of Operations, Kevin Saurette shared. “We are working very closely with the Provincial Health Authorities and Hockey Manitoba to ensure a safe return to play proposal is put in place for everyone involved.”

“We look forward to MJHL Hockey returning to the province this fall as we continue to plan for the upcoming 2020/21 MJHL season slated to start towards the end of September,” Saurette concluded.

Official statement below provided by Hockey Canada

CALGARY, Alta. – The following is a statement on behalf of Hockey Canada from Tom Renney, chief executive officer, and Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer, on the return-to-hockey process in Canada.

“On March 12, the decision was made to cancel all Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities across the country. This was a difficult decision, but one made to maintain the health and safety of all participants and the general public amid growing concerns around the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Currently there are no Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities being conducted, and we are working with our Members on their return-to-hockey plans. After ongoing discussions with the board of directors, our chief medical officer, the 13 Members and public health authorities across the country, it has been determined that the best approach for a return to hockey in Canada is to allow each Member the opportunity to work with authorities in their respective regions to determine when it is safe to return to the ice in areas that fall under their jurisdiction. We expect the timing of each Member’s return to hockey will be different, but will be based on the advice of their government and public health authority.

It is imperative to note that we are not ready to return to the game across the country. As we have seen in respect to flattening the curve, the impact of the pandemic varies from region to region. Permitting our Members the opportunity to decide on an appropriate return-to-hockey timeline will allow them to work directly with public health authorities to determine when it is safe to return while also implementing specific safety measures and rules within their associations and leagues.

Hockey Canada knows the game will look quite different, and the return will happen at different speeds and at different times across the country. Be assured, we continue to work on our multi-faceted return-to-hockey plan that includes health and safety regulations, communications and seasonal structure. As with so many people across the country, we look forward to returning to the game when it is safe to do so, and we will support our 13 Members as we continue to work towards getting back on the ice.”

For more information on the Return to Hockey plan, please visit HockeyCanada.ca/returntohockey.

Two more players from the Swan Valley Stampeders graduating class have committed to play at the NCAA Division III level next season.

Ryley Lanthier will attend the University of Wisconsin – River Falls while teammate, Frazer Dodd announced his commitment to Bryn Athyn College.

Ryley Lanthier Commits To The University of Wisconsin

Frazer Dodd Commits To Bryn Athyn College

When Everett Bestland found out he was named the Winkler Flyers MJHL | RBC Community Ambassador award winner, he was shocked.

The veteran of over 140 MJHL games was even more shocked when he heard the news that he would be named the top ambassador overall in the MJHL for his commitment to volunteering in a number of different areas in Winkler & Morden.

“There was for sure a whole bunch of guys that could’ve received it, I was pretty surprised to get it just for the team and then for the league, but it’s an honor,” Bestland shared in an interview. “It just kind of started with the team doing different things around the community.”

“My billet brother started playing hockey and my billet mom had asked me if I wanted to come help coach. Little things like that I didn’t see as volunteering, it was just having fun and getting to do stuff that normally you can’t do.”

During the course of Bestland’s three seasons in Winkler, he became involved in minor hockey and CanSkate programs, the Christmas Cheer Board, the Morden Fire Department and served as a role model for youth speaking in local schools.

“Probably the best part is when you get to go see some kids and talk to them, hang out with the for a bit, they’re always interested in the hockey. Maybe the next game or a week later or a month later you see them at the game, you recognize them and they know who you are, you just get a smile out of that and know that you did something to affect that kid,” Bestland concluded.

As part of the program, the Garden Valley School Division received two generous donation’s from RBC in Everett’s name.

The initial donation was made after being named Winkler’s award winner while an additional donation was made when he was named as the MJHL’s top ambassador.

Read more about the MJHL | RBC Community Ambassador program.

League update provided by MJHL Commissioner, Kim Davis

Hello MJHL players, fans, supporters and partners. I know that many of you will recognize me as the league Commissioner. I would have liked nothing more than to see all of you in the team arenas over the past two months. Unfortunately, the world wide health crisis we are battling has changed things for all of us. Today, I want to share with you what the MJHL has been doing since the season was cancelled on March 13^th.

Since the middle of March we have been focused on three key areas. The first area is accessing any and all Federal and Provincial financial assistance programs that have been made available to small businesses. Each member team, as well as the league office have applied for the various programs we qualify for and some have accessed these funds already which is re-assuring. At the league office we have been busy creating scenario plans for the start of the 2020 – 2021 season. These scenario plans have been extensive and range from the development of a normal 60 game schedule starting in September down to a 30 game schedule starting in December and several options in between.

Let me emphasize that I am highly optimistic and confident that we will start the upcoming season this fall. To accomplish that and begin the new season in the fall will mean that the hockey environment will have to change. Our third major area of focus has been the development of Return to Play Protocols. These protocols will describe the league’s plan for its teams that will allow them to offer Junior A hockey games in their team arenas. The protocols will be extensive and will range from how fans enter and exit the building and all interactions once they are within the facility to how the two competing teams will prepare for and compete on the ice and everything in between. Needless to say, the MJHL has never made plans or protocols as thorough as this before, but it is something we are beginning to work on at this time. The MJHL has been informed by the Provincial Public Health Office that the Return to Play Protocols we design must be approved by the Chief Provincial Public Health Officer before league play can resume. The COVID 19 pandemic and our desire for the health and safety of all persons means we must do our part so that we can enjoy hockey once again.

As I mentioned, this is a brief update to let you know the MJHL is doing well and working diligently to get the league and its teams back into a new normal operating environment.

I want to conclude my comments with a personal note. A you may know, I will be leaving the MJHL as its Commissioner at the end of June after 18 fantastic seasons. I want to say how grateful I am for the opportunity the Board of Governors of the league has provided me during my long tenure. My work as Commissioner has been challenging, fun and rewarding. It has also been difficult and frustrating. My lasting reflection on my time as MJHL Commissioner is how fortunate I am to have had the chance to work in the hockey business and with such passionate and caring people. I’m very lucky.

Have a great day and thank you for your support,

Kim Davis

Commissioner

Manitoba Junior Hockey League

Three years removed from playing in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), Brady Keeper has made the jump to playing professional hockey on a full-time basis.

Keeper spent three seasons (2014-17) with the OCN Blizzard where he grew his game and excelled on the ice. After playing in 161 MJHL games where he added 52 goals and 81 assists, the Cross Lake, Manitoba native committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the University of Maine Black Bears.

Before getting to college, Keeper was named a Rookie Team All-Star, a First Team All-Star in back to back seasons, along with being named the MJHL’s Most Valuable Player and Top Defenseman in his third and final season.

“The MJHL will prepare you to play at the next level,” Keeper said. “Being put in every situation on the ice to make mistakes and learn from them. It’s a great league to prepare you for the next level whether it’s college or major junior.”

After just two seasons (2017-19) on the back end with the Maine Black Bears where Keeper’s rise through the hockey ranks continued, the young defender chose to leave college and signed his first professional contract, an entry-level deal with the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Brady made his NHL debut with the Panthers on March 28, 2019, against the Ottawa Senators in front of friends and family who made the trip to south Florida.

The now 23-year-old is fresh off of his first full professional season where he suited up in 61 games with the Springfield Thunderbirds of the American Hockey League.

The Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) celebrates Manitoba’s 150th birthday and over 100 years of junior hockey history.

On this date 150 years ago, Prime Minister John A. Macdonald introduced the Manitoba Act where shortly after the bill was given Royal Assent and Manitoba was brought into Canada as a province. Manitoba is also the first province to gain entrance into Confederation through talks with an indigenous government.

“While we may not be able to celebrate 150 years as we all would like, Happy Manitoba Day to an incredible province filled with amazing people,” shared MJHL Director of Operations, Kevin Saurette. “We are very proud of how this province has come together during this unprecedented time and we are so grateful to call Manitoba home.”

To celebrate and recognize Manitoba 150 and over 100 years in the province, the MJHL has launched a five-part video vignette series. The series reinforces the strong legacy of amateur hockey and its importance to youth and quality of life in Manitoba communities.

Click here to watch parts one, two, and three of the MJHL video vignette series.

Click here to read more about the MJHL’s rich history in Manitoba.