With all Ontario Junior Hockey Leagues moving to the pay to play model, the Superior International Junior Hockey League may be shaping up to be the best option for those United States born players not making the North American Hockey League or United States Hockey League.
While typically opting for Tier III teams in the United States, players that are prepared to pay to play hockey may find the ice slanted in their direction this year in Canada.
While most United States based Tier III programs charge tuition that can range from $4500 to $12000 per season, not including billet fee’s, Canadian Hockey at the Tier II level will now be charging fees lower than those of Tier III.
How does this effect players? Its simple.
Canadian based players looking to play for free will now look at the United States and other provinces within Canada for their free to play options. This will mean a boost in tryout numbers and camp fees for those leagues. Canadian families have not been preparing for the move to a pay to play model, and it may now be less expensive for them to play in the US or out of province.
The reverse will also likely take place.
With more Canadian players looking to the United States, more Tier III players from the United States will look to the north. Families in the US are prepared to pay to play, and Canada could look to be a discount that comes with opportunity because of Canadians looking south.
Sources are reporting that the SIJHL could be the lowest pay to play Tier II league in Canada in 2013. TJHN sources are reporting that most teams could cost in the area of $750 for each play this season. Other sources are reporting that fee’s range from $750 to $2500 per team.
The SIJHL has undergone its challenges in the last twenty-four months, but looks to be coming out of those challenges stronger as a unit. The addition of at leat one expansion team in Ear Falls Ontario, and what looks to be the re-certification of one Minnesota Iron Rangers, could provide many advantages to the SIJHL moving forward.
Cost savings to the consumer equals advantage. Pure and simple, families need to keep expenses low, and if the SIJHL can keep expenses lower on average than the other Ontario based leagues, growth could come swiftly.
While all OHA Junior teams will be moving to the pay to play model, it looks as though the SIJHL may have a price advantage moving into the new age of Junior A hockey in Canada.
