The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey league recently held its AGM June 9th 10th and 11th at Jackfish Lodge in North Battleford. The event was attended by league governors, sponsors, coaches and SJHL staff.
In addition to reviewing strategic plans, discussing changes to league rules and regulations with coaches and governors, and league scheduling, the AGM featured updates from the SJHL Department of Player Safety, an update from the Executive Director of Hockey Saskatchewan, Kelly McClintock, and an update from the CEO of Canterra Seeds, David Hansen, and the Director of Marketing for Canterra Seeds, Renee McMillan.
“It is an exciting time for the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. We are coming off a highly successful season with the Battlefords North Stars being awarded the first ever Canterra Seeds Cup. Last season over 260, 000 fans attended an SJHL game. Our board of governors developed strategic plans in Hockey Operations, Business Operations and in Marketing and Social Media. I am very pleased to say that many of last years’ goals were accomplished and our league made significant gains on the provincial and national level but recognize that there is still much work to be done to continue to make our league premier. “ Said Chairman Kyle Adamson.
“This past year we wanted to further engage our fans in our communities and throughout our province with our SJHL social media and league programming. I believe we were highly successful with each seeing significant gains with attendance, social media followership and SaskTel and HockeyTV viewership. The average age in the SJHL was 18.8; and over 30% of all players were from Saskatchewan. With strong a commitment to our league sponsors and to our partners at Hockey Saskatchewan we are committed to putting the “Saskatchewan” back into the SJHL. “offered Commissioner McIntyre
Two key resolutions were passed at this year’s AGM. To continue to build stronger franchises and more player centered league, a resolution was passed that will help create and implement an Elements of Effective Franchise Rubric which will assist teams in maintaining a culture of excellence. An additional resolution was passed that will require any Saskatchewan born player that a team is attempting to trade out of province must be placed on an internal waiver before the player can be moved outside of the league.
Hockey Canada has approved a new facemask policy for all Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) teams. Beginning in the 2023-24 season and in every season afterwards, CJHL players born after December 31st, 2004 must wear full facial protection during participation in all on-ice activities. The birth year and player ages who will be mandated to wear full face protection is outlined as follows: (CJHL players, leagues and teams may opt in earlier)
2023-2024 season – 16, 17 and 18-year-old players (2005/2006/2007 birth years)
2024-2025 season – 16, 17, 18 and 19-year-old players (2005/2006/2007/2008 birth years)
2025-2026 season – all players must wear full facial protection
SJHL training camps will open August 25th and the regular season schedule, which will feature 56 games, will kick off September 22nd . Building on the success of last years’ SJHL Showcase the event will be held November 13th to 16th at the Legend’s Center in Warman.
It will be the second of season of a schedule format pilot will be executed in the 2023-24 season where All 12 member teams will play each other four times in the regular season, play 6 games against each of their division rivals and additional two games against select opponents at the Annual SJHL Showcase in Warman.
The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and its twelve teams are known for its exceptional player development and its commitment to its players, its people, and the communities it serves.