That according to league commissioner Kevin Saurette, who says they are very much looking forward their September 17th opening date.
“For myself, players, coaches and the entire organizations it something exciting to look towards, with everyone full of optimism to play a full season of hockey again.”
The MJHL will make a return to two-divisions for the 2021-22 season featuring a West and East division with six member teams making up each division
Each team will play 40 games within their division and 14 games outside of their division to comprise of the 54 game schedule for each team.
“It’s something we’ve discussed for the last few years is to go away from the balanced schedule, and I think it’ll provide less travel costs and will produce more rivalries within the teams which I think will be good,” Saurette adds.
Saurette adds even with having the last couple of seasons’ cut short and during these tough times, that all their 12 franchises are optimistic and resilient.
“I just can’t commend them enough, I know it wasn’t easy to deal with what was thrown at them with all the pivots and the financial hardships, but our teams are very resilient and are fully on-board and ready to start the new season this fall.”
Other Key MJHL notes:
-The 2021 MJHL Player Showcase will take place at Stride Place in Portage la Prairie from November 22 – 24ths.
-The 2021 World Junior A Challenge (WJAC) will take place in in Cornwall, Ontario from December 12th – 18th.
-The 2022 CJHL Prospects Game will be held in January, 2022.
– MJHL/SJHL joint player showcase will be hosted by the MJHL at the Seven Oaks Sportsplex in Winnipeg from January 25-26, 2022
-The 2021-22 MJHL regular season will conclude on Sunday, March 13th, 2022 with the MJHL Turnbull Cup playoffs beginning the week of March 14th. **Playoff format to be finalized in the coming weeks**
-The MJHL Champion will face-off against the SJHL Champion for the ANAVET Cup in a best of 7 series beginning on Friday, April 29th
-The 2022 Centennial Cup will take place from May 20 – 29 at Affinity Place in Estevan, SK.
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Full chat with MJHL Commissioner Kevin Saurette below:
