Across North America, things somewhat feel like they’re getting back to normal. It’s that or we’re becoming numb to everything and anything that continues for more than one week without an interruption is great news. Most notably, there haven’t been any additional leagues that have suspended play due to COVID. That’s good news!
Maritime Junior Hockey Expansion?
Talks of expanding the Maritime Junior Hockey League have been gaining steam over the past several months. Currently, the MHL has 12 teams – Amherst Ramblers, Campbellton Tigers, Edmunston Blizzard, Fredericton Red Wings, Grand Falls Rapids, Miramichi Timberwolves, Pictou County Crushers, South Shore Lumberjacks, Summerside Western Capitals, Truro Bearcats, Valley Wildcats, and the Yarmouth Mariners.
There have been many calls to bring a team to Cape Breton due to the high volume of players coming from the area. The Cape Breton Eagles of the QMJHL are the sole team of the area and while leagues try to avoid competing for the same market, it isn’t frowned upon and can be encouraged if it makes sense for both leagues and players.
“The fact there was a MHL team in Cape Breton 25 years ago is nostalgic and interesting. I know hockey is a big part of the fabric of Cape Breton for sure. Lots of amazing players come out of there and there’s lots of great minor hockey and they have a QMJHL team,” said MHL President, Steve Dykeman.
Dykeman also went on to say that the league is set with its 12 teams for now but is always open to hearing expansion opportunities. They’ll never turn anyone down before hearing their pitch. For now, the MHL is set on 12 teams, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be 13 come next season.
USHL President Stepping Down
Current President and Commissioner of the USHL, Tom Garrity, notified the USHL of his intentions to step down from his position on June 30, 2021. Garrity accepted the position initially for an interim role which later turned into a full-time position in 2018.
Since 2018, Garrity has been a strong force behind the USHL, USA Hockey, and NHL, partnerships. There have been over 200 players selected in the NHL Draft who had ties to the USHL throughout his tenure.
“Tom has helped heighten the prominence of the USHL during his tenure. As the top junior league in our country, the USHL plays an important role in our overall development efforts within USA Hockey and we’re most appreciative of the many things Tom has done to improve and advance the league,” said Pat Kelleher, Executive Director of USA Hockey.
If you feel you have what it takes to fill this role, you may want to try NHL 2021 first. However, you can email Brendan Bruss, President of PMI Entertainment Group, who is leading the search for Garrity’s replacement – brendan.bruss@pmiwi.com.
Will the USHL find someone who can step in and continue to make a positive impact? Will the MHL receive any enticing offers this year that pique their interest to move forward with an expansion team? Only time will tell. We’re just glad that hockey is back and looks to be back for good!
Check back next week for junior hockey news. Check us out on Twitter @TJHP and @Nwinansw. We’ll see you next week.
