New league hopes to change junior hockey in Ontario

Eight-team independent league aims to be the future model for others

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Lois Kalchman

Motivated by a concern for the perceived lack of quality in junior hockey in Ontario, an independent eight-team league will start up this September as a one-year pilot project in the Central Division of the Ontario Provincial Jr. A Hockey League.

The Cobourg Cougars, Hamilton Red Wings, Markham Waxers, St. Michael's Buzzers, Newmarket Hurricanes, Stouffville Spirit, Toronto Jr. Canadiens and the Wellington Dukes have formed a self-governing league within the OPJHL, operating under the Ontario Hockey Association jurisdiction. It will have an independent schedule and will join the other 28 teams for playoffs.

The group aspires to become the premiere junior league (below major junior), in Ontario, citing lack of stability of some of the franchises – specifically tier two – and the lack of scholarships and/or advancement to the OHL as reasons for creating the project, which includes rules that strictly prohibits paying players, a growing concern at this level.

"It will have a different philosophy," says Mike McCarron, president of St. Michael's Buzzers and a spokesman for the group. "It's about development and maturing for professional hockey, Ontario Hockey League, Canadian Interuniversity Sports and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

"It can't get better with 36 (owners) marching to individual drummers," McCarron said of the frustration under the current system, adding, "we took a lot of heat" hammering out the idea.

"We want a strong league with a lot of governance," he said. "There will be corporate government, transparency and the franchises will have to be audited."

McCarron said he spent a lot of time on research and how to do this properly.

"We are hiring a full-time commissioner to run the league," McCarron said, adding that he and Anthony Pietramala, president and co-owner of the Newmarket Hurricanes, spearheaded the concept to the OHA, which governs junior hockey in Ontario outside of Ottawa District and Hockey Northwestern.

"We will adhere to all Hockey Canada rules and regulations," McCarron said. "Sixteen year-olds will play (and not just sit on the bench) and there will be free player movement up to age 20 but a limited number of 20-year-olds on the rosters, particularly those returning from major junior."

OHA director Bill Markle said the pilot will be monitored and suggests other teams within the OHA may want to join them in the future.

"This may help create a strategic plan from top to bottom in the OHA," he said. " It may take three, four or five years but it could be great for junior level of hockey."