Commitment in Tier III Junior Hockey is about putting your money where your mouth is.
In a move that should be considered revolutionary for Tier III Junior Hockey Teams, the Central Wisconsin Saints and Dells Ducks of the Minnesota Junior Hockey League contacted TJHN and made a commitment to development like no other in Tier III hockey.
The Central Wisconsin Saints and Dells Ducks has committed to put the following in writing on all players contracts:
1. Any player receiving a call up to a Tier II or Higher Level will be sent to that team calling them up without requesting any compensation from the team calling the player up.
2. Any player sticking with the team that calls the player up will have his contract voided and if any refund is due the money will be refunded to the player.
3. Any player being called up that has not paid his Tier III contract in full will not be required to pay the balance in full if the player sticks with the higher level team.
Central Wisconsin Saints President Mike Grote said, “The Saints are committed to moving players. I will put it in writing right here, any player that gets called up to Tier II (or higher) will have their contract canceled and monies refunded while they’re playing at the higher level.” Later adding “Unlike other teams in tier 3, we will not hold the player hostage and require that a Tier II team to send us a player or cash in exchange for the player we are sending. Tier 3 is all about development. And our goal is to move these players up to the next level.”
Dells Ducks President John Schwarz added, “The concept of Tier III junior hockey is to develop the player and move them to the highest level possible, not to simply win games or championships. The mark of a true championship calibre team is found in how many players they move on to greater success on the ice and in life. The Ducks are committed to helping players achieve all of their on and off ice goals regardless of how it may affect our win and loss record.”
While many Tier III teams have required cash or player compensation in return for sending a player up, leaving that player development philosophy behind makes a bold statement.
The proof can be found in results. As an example, the Dells Ducks moved Defenseman Dunk Abbott up to the NAHL’s Port Huron Fighting Falcons. Abbott arrived in Port Huron just after the Christmas break never to return to the Ducks. No compensation was requested and none was received.
Abbott is an example of what the Saints and Ducks will try to do for all players coming to these organizations.
How many other Tier III organizations in the United States are willing to put the same commitment in writing? Contact TJHN and we will be happy to follow this story up with your story.
