The annual general meeting of league governors, coaches and general managers for the 2015-16 SJHL season was held last weekend in Nipawin.
SJHL president Bill Chow was elected league president for a fifth season. As well, the board of governors is returning without changes.
Chow said the weekend of meetings was productive and included discussion about the first-ever bantam draft.
“For it being the first one I thought it went really well,” said Chow.
“The thought process [of the draft] is that it puts emphasis on Saskatchewan kids and shows their importance to the league. I think the players, and their parents, now know they are important to the organization [that drafted them].”
Once the draft was completed, Chow said the league schedule was hammered out. Teams will firm up their home dates when they return to their respective centres. The regular season is set to begin on the September 18 and 19 weekend.
Normally an annual showcase kicks off the campaign, but due to the late September long weekend, the league has opted to host the event October 4 to 7, once again in Warman.
This year’s showcase will begin with a pair of games featuring Midget AAA players in various age groups, followed by all 12 SJHL teams playing two games each, for a total of 14 games overall the four days.
Finances
Team and league finances were discussed, particularly those of the Weyburn Red Wings and Kindersley Klippers.
Chow said the Red Wings were on their way to resolving a $175,000 debt. The Klippers hosted the World Junior A Challenge in December, which allowed the franchise to take care of its financial situation.
No rule changes were made to on-ice play, but Chow said there is always concern for player safety, and dangerous situations will continue to be monitored.
SJHL training camps begin in early September and exhibition games will lead up to the start of the regular season.
– Adapted from an article by Dave Leaderhouse, SJHL
