The Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba junior hockey leagues have according to multiple sources been given the green light to begin selling season tickets and planning for an “on time” September start.
While a September start is optimal and the traditional time in which training camps begin, changes in how leagues operate are still expected.
Once again the topic of American born players has been brought up and once again it has been said that all leagues in Canada should not expect to have American born players be available.
The guidance being given to leagues regarding American born players is due to the fact that Junior A or Tier II teams in Canada have a limited number of player signings or “cards” they are allowed to use during a season.
If signing an American player who does not report due to the border closure takes place, that “card” is lost to the team and they can not just replace the American with a Canadian.
Of note, all Canadian based leagues have escalated the number of Canadian born player signings in recent weeks with many players moving up from Junior B to Junior A in the process.
