For months, rumors have been spreading about a new league starting up called the International Junior Hockey League. Randy Russon recently wrote a story concerning the issue, and Stephen Heisler commented on it yesterday.
Having first hand information on a story is usually a pretty good thing to start with, so I guess I will throw my hat into the ring as well.
Is there a concept of an IJHL? Yes. I have spoken to some of those talking about the concept personally.
Has the Amateur Athletic Union been mentioned as a possible governing body? Yes. But AAU has not sanctioned teams in Canada before, although they have sanctioned two United States based teams that did play in Canada in the past.
The real issue with the story is that some teams from the Mid West Junior Hockey League have been rumored or alleged to be “joining” this proposed IJHL. Multiple sources within MWJHL Organizations have stated that is not the case. These sources are saying that the Canadian teams are welcome to join the MWJHL but that the MWJHL has no interest in giving up their brand that they have worked two years to build.
While people have mentioned multiple NOJHL franchises to be involved in this proposed new league, there is only one franchise owner that is actually involved in any talks according to multiple sources within and outside of the MWJHL. Tim Clayden, owner of the Espanola Rivermen is the only NOJHL owner to have participated in any talks concerning the proposed IJHL. Multiple sources are saying that it is Clayden who is behind the idea of forming the IJHL.
Sources within the NOJHL have reported that they are aware of Claydens alleged involvement, and that they have no problem not having him involved in the NOJHL in the future. One source said, “If he leaves, he leaves. We can replace him.” Another source said “We know what he is doing, everyone in Ontario knows what he is doing. Good luck making that travel budget work.”
The NOJHL could simply place new franchise owners in any market that may want an NOJHL, Hockey Canada Sanctioned team. While the GMHL has been able to survive on player fee’s and import players, cities and hockey associations will always look to a Hockey Canada sanctioned team first. Which would you prefer, a NOJHL team or a start up?
The main reason for looking to form the IJHL is to have less restrictions under Hockey Canada and USA Hockey as it relates to import players and the ability to expand across borders without restrictions and red tape. Many who have been approached feel that those reasons are very legitimate reasons to look at forming a new league.
Canadian teams outside of Major Junior hockey are not allowed any European players. Many feel that is beyond restrictive and is likely a discrimination issue Hockey Canada will be forced to address eventually. Even USA Hockey allows Tier III teams to recruit and play European players.
Another issue may be AAU itself. While recognized in the United States for many sports, it is not the governing body for Ice Hockey. The insurance offered under AAU is actually very good, but it is not a program recognized in Canada based on our research. The GMHL has had to find outside insurance providers for its players and those insurance costs are passed along to its players.
The real question concerning the proposal is what level of play would this proposed league be? Would it be tuition based or free to play?
Does the world need more tuition based junior hockey? I and many others say no. Does the consolidation of leagues make sense? Yes it does if it improves the level of play and the organization in which they operate under.
While this may sound like a good idea, its time to look at the real issues. And oh by the way, we are about to end the month of February in less than two weeks, any new league or team not off the ground by now is doomed for failure. The rest of us have been recruiting since October, and players are less likely to consider a new league that may look to be put together hastily.
Joseph Kolodziej – Publisher
