OHA denies Junior A Request

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flyers2011
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OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by flyers2011 »

Cambridge, ON – The Ontario Hockey Association (OHA), the governing body for junior and senior hockey within the southern, western and eastern areas of the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), determined at its Board of Directors Meeting on April 16th not to approve the request of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) to grant to the league and its teams reclassification as a Junior A League.

The GOJHL is comprised of 26 member teams of the OHA, plus one entry from Buffalo, NY, as approved by USA Hockey and Hockey Canada to compete in the League.

Accordingly, the teams will continue to compete in the Junior B Category within the OHA for the OHA’s James T. Sutherland Cup, emblematic of the OHA Junior B Championship, which was first awarded in 1934.

In reaching its decision, the OHA Board considered several factors, including:
•There was little to no rationale, or supporting reliable information provided in the application for reclassification, nor in any subsequent information provided;
•The practical effect of approving the applications would be the elimination of all participants in the Junior B category within the OHA at this time without due consideration on the impact on other levels of play under the auspices of the OHA;
•There was no rationale provided as to the reasoning to have the Junior A category move from the current 22 teams to a proposed 49 teams;
•The position, as presented by the “GOJHL Transition Team” to have all 27 current Junior B members being reclassified to Junior A, was decided not to be in the best interest of hockey;
•The OHA Board takes a strong position that there can and should be only one league at the Junior A category and that such league will enter and compete for the Junior A National Championship and operate under one set of rules, regulations, policies, and standards as established and approved. To have “rival” leagues at the same category, operating under different rules, regulations and operating procedures and requirements, is not conducive to the orderly conduct of competition.

“The Junior B category is a huge part of what the OHA is, has been, and what it can be moving forward. Our Junior B programs offer tremendous opportunities for players and coaches to advance to higher levels within the game,” said Scott Farley, OHA Chief Executive Officer. “The GOJHL is arguably the best Junior B league in Canada and they have provided amazing opportunities to players and coaches in the communities they represent. The OHA welcomes change, but it must be done in a thoughtful and forward-thinking manner and work within the OHA’s Tomorrow’s Game initiative and in the best interest of all OHA teams and categories as well as other affected programs.”



The OHA continuously consults with its members and other stakeholders in an ongoing effort to improve hockey programming, and wishes to continue that dialogue with the member teams in the Junior B category and the GOJHL.

-30-

About the OHA

Founded in 1890 to govern amateur hockey in Ontario, the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) is the governing body for the majority of Junior and Senior teams in the Province of Ontario. The OHA is a member of the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) and by virtue of OHF membership, Hockey Canada. The OHA is committed to excellence, opportunity and honouring its long-standing tradition in communities across Ontario.

Over 5,000 games are organized under the OHA umbrella each season. The OHA currently has 119 member teams competing with 11 leagues, over 2,700 players as well as officiating staff of over 375 within its jurisdiction.

More information about the OHA can be found at http://www.ohahockey.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

For more information, please contact:

Scott Farley
OHA Chief Executive Officer
sfarley@ohahockey.org
(519)622-2402 x.5

Stephen Boscariol
OHA Development Coordinator
sboscariol@ohahockey.org
(519)622-2402 x. 7
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by RocketGirl »

So I'm wondering if this means that they have, or will, deny the request from back in March about the change in import rules. I imagine that was the reason for the request for reclassification in the first place, and since that's been denied, one would guess that the import rule change would be denied as well.
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by DMighton »

They have two leagues... one that is a train wreck in progress and one that is chugging along as usual. Farley props up the pay-to-play league in favour of the secure one.
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by DMighton »

They already have two Jr. A leagues... it's just that one is only Jr. A in name.
GOJHL_Fan

Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by GOJHL_Fan »

Maybe its time for the GOJHL to leave the OHA. What is the difference from the HNO Hockey Northwestern Ontario and HEO Hockey Eastern Ontario? They are on there own.
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by Port hockey1 »

GOJHL_Fan wrote:Maybe its time for the GOJHL to leave the OHA. What is the difference from the HNO Hockey Northwestern Ontario and HEO Hockey Eastern Ontario? They are on there own.
On the other forum a comment says the GOJHL will appeal the decision to the OHF. The OHF is supposedly in favor of the jump to Jr.A.
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by RocketGirl »

Word is that the appeal is partly because the OHA failed to disclose their agreement with OJHL that they'd be the only Jr. A league.

GOJHL Set to Appeal OHA Decision
Posted by: Jason Nason - The Bay Observer

After their request for reclassification as a Junior A league within the Ontario Hockey Association was rejected, the GOJHL Junior A Transition Team has filed an appeal of the decision with Scott Farley, the president of the OHA.

In a release today, the transition team stated that the response did not come as a surprise to the Transition team given that this was the position put forth by OHA Chairman Leo Lostracco at the commencement of the meeting held on April 5th. The release goes on to state that reasons not stated in the governing body’s media release included that the OHA had entered into a “Collaborative Agreement” with the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) which explicitly provides them with exclusive rights as the only Junior A league under the OHA umbrella.

The GOJHL also believes that a statement from Lostracco during the April 5th meeting stating that the collaborative agreement was done on the direction of the OHF to be false. It goes on to state that this collaborative agreement was done without the knowledge of or consultation of the Junior B and Junior C leagues, which account for nearly 90% of its’ members.

“In order for our request to be given the full unencumbered and unbiased consideration it deserves,” read the statement from Joe Machado, Chair of the GOJHL Junior A Transition Team, “it was essential to proceed to the OHF as expeditiously as possible. The GOJHL Junior A Transition Team is well prepared to present the merits of becoming a Junior A league, to a governing body that respects and shares the values of integrity and transparency just as it does.”
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by RocketGirl »

Found another story on the GOJHL's appeal.

GOJHL appealing reclassification decision to OHF

League willing to go as far as civil litigation to get desired result

Cambridge Times
By Bill Doucet

CAMBRIDGE - The GOJHL Transition Team has notified the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) that it is appealing to the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) the decision not to reclassify the 27-team league to Junior A.

The OHA was notified just hours after its decision, according to transition team chairman and Cambridge Winter Hawks co-owner Joe Machado, as the Junior B transition team had already prepared an appeal, knowing the reclassification wouldn’t happen after a meeting at the OHA office on April 5. The decision was handed down by the OHA board of directors on April 16.

Machado reiterated information sent in a GOJHL news release stating that OHA chairman Leo Lostracco informed the transition team on April 5 that the OHA had entered into a “collaborative agreement” with the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) providing them with “exclusive rights” to be the only Junior A league under the OHA umbrella for the next seven years.

He added that Lostracco said the OHA agreement was done under the direction of the OHF. The transition team obtained a copy of the agreement from the OHA, by request, and said the agreement didn’t have the approval, or was brought to the attention of, any of the Junior B or C teams, which make up 90 per cent of the OHA membership.

“That is outrageous,” Machado said.

“The extent as to how the agreement was formed and came to pass … has put some question into it. They relied on that agreement to deny the request.”

Machado wasn’t shocked to see the agreement not mentioned in the OHA news release notifying them that the Junior A reclassification application was denied. Five other reasons were given for the denial, including the move not being in the best interests of hockey.

“They questioned it, saying we didn’t have any information supporting our case, but they knew from the beginning that they entered into this agreement and that they weren’t going to give our case any consideration whatsoever.

“I don’t believe we were given a chance at all.”

Machado said he could only speculate as to why the OHA wouldn’t include the agreement as one of the reasons.

“I think that would make the agreement the focal point as to why it was turned down and put them under scrutiny, but I can’t speak for their actions.”

The appeal will be filed to the OHF this coming week – as they have 15 days from the time of the OHA decision – and the GOJHL is requesting that the OHA send in a “significant amount” of information relevant to the application. Machado is hoping that the OHF will see that the GOJHL transition team has a case and deal with it quickly.

He doesn’t believe appealing the decision will affect the league’s relationship with the OHA.

“We all want the league to flourish.”

Should the OHF appeal be unsuccessful, Machado said that the transition team is ready to take the appeal to the next step, Hockey Canada, or even to civil litigation.

“This mandate is supported by all 27 teams in the GOJHL and they are determined to make this happen,” Machado said.

bdoucet@cambridgetimes.ca
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by richard »

players from minor hockey and Jr c no problem for releases to Jr B within OHA
Releases from Jr B (especially local) to Jr A is now a problem within OHA?
Number of imports (B league) is now a problem within OHA?
Why after all these years is this a problem?
Is there a new breed of executives (owners) in B hockey wanting more and more?
Are they wanting to increase there value of franchises?
Are some B clubs not suited to their location and need more imports?
Why all the friction and threats? Is the OHA not understanding and wanting to work with Teams that pay their salaries?
Are B clubs demanding and not willing to compromise?
Shame to see this going on!
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by DMighton »

Glad to hear it RG!
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by RocketGirl »

Beautiful article as to why we don't need to be A.

Junior B hockey is a great product just as it is
By Steve Rice, Stratford Beacon Herald

If you’re a little puzzled by the Greater Ontario Hockey League’s desire to be reclassified Junior A, you’re not alone.

The GOJHL seems equally confused on a number of points — not the least of which is what a good thing they’ve got going, so why mess with it.

In the past few weeks the Junior B league has made its pitch to the OHA, been turned down, and is now appealing to the Ontario Hockey Federation, of which the OHA is a member.

This will fail, of course, as it should.

With the GOJHL enjoying mostly strong franchises with great community support on the eve of the 81st Sutherland Cup championship, the league should be celebrating all that it has accomplished instead of exposing its inferiority complex by making a futile bid to be declared Junior A.

Not Junior A

Let’s begin by making it clear that despite what some in the GOJHL believe, they are not on an equal talent level with Junior A hockey. There are many individuals in the GOJHL who could certainly play Junior A hockey, but the majority of teams would struggle to compete.

A few years ago an argument might have been made that the top GOJHL teams could be competitive in the Ontario Junior Hockey League, the province’s only OHA sanctioned Junior A league.

But since 2009-10, the OJHL has been trimmed from 37 teams down to 21 and the talent pool for the remaining teams has naturally risen. The average GOJHL team would be outmatched.

Losing players

GOJHL teams have long been upset that they lose some of their best players every year to the OJHL. They say this while ignoring the fact that every year junior B teams take the best players from the midget and Junior C ranks. That’s the way the system works. Players move up the ladder to higher categories.

A quick history lesson to understand a big reason why GOJHL teams feel the way they do. The OJHL is comprised almost entirely of teams which competed in the Junior B category until the mid-80s when they broke away from the OHA and declared themselves Junior A. Eventually they returned to the fold and have grown stronger thanks to the Junior A designation which allows them unlimited imports and the ability to take the top players from Junior B teams for a nominal fee of $1,500.

However, it’s worth noting that the number of players leaving for the OJHL has steadily declined with fewer teams to move to, and with more players beginning to recognize that they can remain closer to home in the GOJHL and still get noticed by scouts.

There are also more and more players every year returning from the OJHL to the GOJHL, and not because they are unable to compete at that level.

They come back because the GOJHL offers a competitive environment without the heavy practice and game schedule of the OJHL, allowing players a little more time for school or work.

And GOJHL teams for the most part have a strong connection to their communities, with fans embracing the players on their hometown team. That isn’t often the case in the big-budget, ultra-competitive OJHL, where players are more likely to be traded than become hometown heros.

In that respect the GOJHL fulfills an important role in the province not only in preparing players for higher levels of hockey, but also in providing the best hockey experience for players who have a life goal outside of the sport.

The import issue

GOJHL teams want Junior A status not only to avoid losing their best players to the OJHL and to help recruit players, but also to have unlimited imports rather than the limit of seven currently imposed by the OHA.

GOJHL chairman Shawn McKelvie, and others, have suggested that even with unlimited imports, GOJHL teams would not operate any differently than they do now and would maintain a healthy number of local or area players on their rosters. As McKelvie correctly notes, that’s “the backbone of their success.”

Unfortunately, that’s an optimistic view. Two teams in the GOJHL this year had victories taken away because they dressed eight import players for games. There are owners and ownership groups with deep pockets who would be only too happy to load up their rosters with players from anywhere and everywhere if it meant winning a championship.

There’s good competitive balance in the GOJHL now, but without a cap on imports, that could easily change. Smaller market teams would be the first to feel the pinch and it wouldn’t be long before some would fall by the wayside or drop to Junior C.

Something special

After the GOJHL announced it had made the proposal to the OHA, various team owners and/or members of the GOJHL’s Junior A Transition Team made comments to the effect that a) we already do the same things Junior A teams do; or b) we’d operate the same way we do now, but just have the letter A instead of B.

Both those statements are simultaneously wrong and ridiculous.

In order to operate as Junior A franchises (and to therefore compete on the ice against OJHL teams), the GOJHL would have to radically change many of the things it does now. Bigger budgets, more imports, more practices — more of just about everything.

St. Thomas Stars general manager Joe Daniels, one of seven members of the GOJHL transition team, told The London Free Press that, “If you want to succeed at Junior A you have to add two or three practices a week. Your kids are on the ice more. What everyone hopes is that if you put your players on the ice two more times a week, you put 200 more fans into the seats.”

Presumably more practices means a better quality of hockey, which is going to attract more fans.

But the GOJHL already knows that’s not true, because they love to point out that while many of their games attract crowds of well over 1,000 in places like Stratford and Sarnia, and close to 500 on average throughout the league, the OJHL has an average attendance of 230 (and less than 200 per game for half of its teams).

What attracts fans is quality, competitive hockey with a high percentage of local/area players and some consistency in the roster throughout the season, if not from one season to the next.

Those are the things the GOJHL provides and has a right to be proud about. They are things that could very well be lost if by some great misfortune the GOJHL was to become a Junior A league.

Although GOJHL teams report that they voted unanimously to make the application to the OHA, the battle appears to be led by some individuals who for a number of years have openly expressed a desire to be Junior A franchise owners and want to increase the value and prestige of their hockey clubs.

Hopefully they soon come to recognize that what they have is already valuable, and pretty special to a lot of people.

steve.rice@sunmedia.ca
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by joehockey »

I don't necessarily agree with all of it but I do like this article. I think the easiest solution would be to increase the import cards to 10 or make import cards available through trade and bump the price to 3 or 4 grand for OJHL teams that want to buy Jr.B players in or out of season. If I was an owner or coach who had invested a few years and a lot of money and time into a players development and then had to watch him go to the OJHL for 1500 I probably wouldn't be happy either? Doesn't seem nearly enough.
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by RocketGirl »

Joe, how do you feel about $15,000.00 for a player? That's basically been the price set in this Conference now.

And it just keeps getting dirtier and dirtier.


Transition Team does not represent Stratford Hockey Club
Steve Rice
By Steve Rice, Stratford Beacon Herald
Thursday, April 24, 2014 4:51:37 EDT AM


http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/20 ... ockey-club

The Stratford Cullitons support the efforts of the 27 Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League teams to be reclassified Junior A, or at least to level the playing field with their Junior A rivals.

What they don’t support is the combative approach of the GOJHL Transition Team toward the Ontario Hockey Association, or the published threats of litigation coming from some members of that team.

This week the Cullitons notified the OHA and Transition Team chair Joe Machado that the Transition Team “no longer represent or speak on behalf of the Stratford Culliton Hockey Club.”

“Confrontation is not something we’re going to take part in, nor will we take part in litigation,” Cullitons’ president Dan Mathieson said Wednesday night. “The Cullitons organization stands with its GOJHL partners, but we’re not going to get into a long, protracted, acrimonious relationship with the OHA. It’s not our nature and never has been.

“The Stratford Hockey Club has a very long history with the OHA going back to its formation, and it’s a relationship built on respect and working together and providing a good atmosphere not only for our players but for our fans and our community.

“By and large, every person on our board wants to see the situation remedied. But we don’t want to be acrimonious about it. We’ll take up with the OHA directly any issues with have, and speak for ourselves.”

After the GOJHL’s proposal to be reclassified Junior A was turned down by the OHA, a media release signed by Machado, the president of the Cambridge Winter Hawks, announced that an appeal would be made to the Ontario Hockey Federation.

The release accused the OHA of being dishonest and lacking in integrity and transparency. Machado was quoted in subsequent stories as saying that the GOJHL would consider going to court if the OHF appeal failed.

The OHA sent out a bulletin to GOJHL teams informing them that they were willing to meet to address issues regarding Junior B hockey, but would not do so “under the shadow of threatened civil litigation.”

The Cullitons’ board, through Mathieson, has communicated suggestions to the OHA to resolve some of the issues. They include:

1) Change the import rule to make all players living within the footprint of the GOJHL non-imports to all teams, a proposal that was put forward a year ago;

2) Guarantee the GOJHL a seat on the OHA board (something the OJHL currently has);

3) Set a deadline for a Collaborative Agreement between the GOJHL and OHA that can be debated at the 2015 annual general meeting.

The OJHL and OHA have a written Collaborative Agreement that was created without consultation or approval from other OHA teams, which has become the cause of mistrust among many Junior B and Junior C teams.

One of the unfortunate results of the Transition Team’s approach is that GOJHL chairman and Midwestern Conference convener Shawn McKelvie was removed from his position this week by the OHA, no doubt because of his participation with the team.

McKelvie has done an excellent job as convener over the past several seasons and been a great promoter of Junior B hockey, so his departure is a loss to the GOJHL.

Siskins fire coach

In a stunning development, Chris Lazary has been let go by the Waterloo Siskins after leading the team to its first Cherrey Cup championship in 20 years in his first season as the team’s coach.

According to published reports, Lazary made two requests during contract negotiations and both were refused. One involved the hiring process of a new assistant coach and the second was a desire to put the dressing room off limits to all but players and coaches.

“It’s safe to say I’m extremely disappointed,” Lazary told CTV’s Darren Stevenson. “It’s a heartbreaking day.”

In an email to CTV, Siskins’ president and GM Curtis Clairmont said only that, “We hope he (Chris Lazary) has great future success.”

Lazary had as much to do with the Siskins’ success this season as anyone and he’ll have no problem finding work. On the other hand, the Siskins’ odds of defending their title just got a little longer.

Win for Falcons

Having conference finalists face off in a second playoff series for the Sutherland Cup may not be the worst-case scenario of the GOJHL’s new playoff format

Having a conference loser win the Cup would be.

The St. Catharines Falcons, who lost the Golden Horseshoe final to the Caledonia Corvairs but advanced as a wild card, took a 1-0 lead in the Sutherland championship series with a 7-2 win Wednesday night in Caledonia.

Brennan Feasey had four goals and an assist for the Falcons, who rallied after falling behind 2-0 in the first seven minutes.

Sailors back

In a media release Wednesday the OHA announced that the Goderich Sailors are returning to the Western Junior C Hockey League in 2014-15 after a one-year leave of absence due to a shortage of players.

steve.rice@sunmedia.ca


I think it's ludicrous that they fired Lazary over those requests. As head coach, he should be part of the hiring process for assistant coaches, and is it really that outrageous to request that the dressing room be kept to just players and staff?
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by Port hockey1 »

RocketGirl wrote:Joe, how do you feel about $15,000.00 for a player? That's basically been the price set in this Conference now.

And it just keeps getting dirtier and dirtier.


Transition Team does not represent Stratford Hockey Club
Steve Rice
By Steve Rice, Stratford Beacon Herald
Thursday, April 24, 2014 4:51:37 EDT AM


http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/20 ... ockey-club

The Stratford Cullitons support the efforts of the 27 Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League teams to be reclassified Junior A, or at least to level the playing field with their Junior A rivals.

What they don’t support is the combative approach of the GOJHL Transition Team toward the Ontario Hockey Association, or the published threats of litigation coming from some members of that team.

This week the Cullitons notified the OHA and Transition Team chair Joe Machado that the Transition Team “no longer represent or speak on behalf of the Stratford Culliton Hockey Club.”

“Confrontation is not something we’re going to take part in, nor will we take part in litigation,” Cullitons’ president Dan Mathieson said Wednesday night. “The Cullitons organization stands with its GOJHL partners, but we’re not going to get into a long, protracted, acrimonious relationship with the OHA. It’s not our nature and never has been.

“The Stratford Hockey Club has a very long history with the OHA going back to its formation, and it’s a relationship built on respect and working together and providing a good atmosphere not only for our players but for our fans and our community.

“By and large, every person on our board wants to see the situation remedied. But we don’t want to be acrimonious about it. We’ll take up with the OHA directly any issues with have, and speak for ourselves.”

After the GOJHL’s proposal to be reclassified Junior A was turned down by the OHA, a media release signed by Machado, the president of the Cambridge Winter Hawks, announced that an appeal would be made to the Ontario Hockey Federation.

The release accused the OHA of being dishonest and lacking in integrity and transparency. Machado was quoted in subsequent stories as saying that the GOJHL would consider going to court if the OHF appeal failed.

The OHA sent out a bulletin to GOJHL teams informing them that they were willing to meet to address issues regarding Junior B hockey, but would not do so “under the shadow of threatened civil litigation.”

The Cullitons’ board, through Mathieson, has communicated suggestions to the OHA to resolve some of the issues. They include:

1) Change the import rule to make all players living within the footprint of the GOJHL non-imports to all teams, a proposal that was put forward a year ago;

2) Guarantee the GOJHL a seat on the OHA board (something the OJHL currently has);

3) Set a deadline for a Collaborative Agreement between the GOJHL and OHA that can be debated at the 2015 annual general meeting.

The OJHL and OHA have a written Collaborative Agreement that was created without consultation or approval from other OHA teams, which has become the cause of mistrust among many Junior B and Junior C teams.

One of the unfortunate results of the Transition Team’s approach is that GOJHL chairman and Midwestern Conference convener Shawn McKelvie was removed from his position this week by the OHA, no doubt because of his participation with the team.

McKelvie has done an excellent job as convener over the past several seasons and been a great promoter of Junior B hockey, so his departure is a loss to the GOJHL.

Siskins fire coach

In a stunning development, Chris Lazary has been let go by the Waterloo Siskins after leading the team to its first Cherrey Cup championship in 20 years in his first season as the team’s coach.

According to published reports, Lazary made two requests during contract negotiations and both were refused. One involved the hiring process of a new assistant coach and the second was a desire to put the dressing room off limits to all but players and coaches.

“It’s safe to say I’m extremely disappointed,” Lazary told CTV’s Darren Stevenson. “It’s a heartbreaking day.”

In an email to CTV, Siskins’ president and GM Curtis Clairmont said only that, “We hope he (Chris Lazary) has great future success.”

Lazary had as much to do with the Siskins’ success this season as anyone and he’ll have no problem finding work. On the other hand, the Siskins’ odds of defending their title just got a little longer.

Win for Falcons

Having conference finalists face off in a second playoff series for the Sutherland Cup may not be the worst-case scenario of the GOJHL’s new playoff format

Having a conference loser win the Cup would be.

The St. Catharines Falcons, who lost the Golden Horseshoe final to the Caledonia Corvairs but advanced as a wild card, took a 1-0 lead in the Sutherland championship series with a 7-2 win Wednesday night in Caledonia.

Brennan Feasey had four goals and an assist for the Falcons, who rallied after falling behind 2-0 in the first seven minutes.

Sailors back

In a media release Wednesday the OHA announced that the Goderich Sailors are returning to the Western Junior C Hockey League in 2014-15 after a one-year leave of absence due to a shortage of players.

steve.rice@sunmedia.ca


I think it's ludicrous that they fired Lazary over those requests. As head coach, he should be part of the hiring process for assistant coaches, and is it really that outrageous to request that the dressing room be kept to just players and staff?
I find it funny that you tell me to stay on topic, yet here you are talking Waterloo when this thread has nothing to do with them. I realize you pasted an article here, but that article included St.Catharines & Waterloo news. :)

I personally don't care, but maybe practice what you preach? :D
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by joehockey »

Port, give it a rest.

RG, I think 15,000 for a top end player would be fair but I don't know how realistic that is? I get the point of wanting to be designated Jr. A but I think if the league did a better job of promoting itself and its players and had a better website a lot more attention and interest could be drawn. Players want to go where they have opportunity to advance and right now the GOJHL is not that place unless you're a 16 or 17 year old kid trying to make the OHL still. Look at the top players in the league though who did not advance their playing careers further? Brothers? Arsenault? The only player I've heard from the league that has advanced himself so far is Verboom? One player in the entire league was able to secure a scholarship? That right there is why kids want to go to the OJHL, CCHL, BCHL, etc.
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by ah-chielove »

Joehockey - While I appreciate what you are saying, I would like to point out a small clarification of fact that Verboom isn't the only player to receive a scholarship... Josh Kestner of the Sarnia Legionnaires secured a Division 1 scholarship from the University of Alabama this year. That being said, this doesn't negate your argument about too few scholarships being awarded from the GOJHL to attract more players of the quality of Kestner and Verboom.

Rocket Girl - A big thank you for posting all the articles pertaining to this current subject of interest (and for all the work you, and others who moderate here, do to try and make this forum a place where junior hockey fans can come to seek out information on important topics).

This current issue is complex and I especially liked the Stratford Beacon Herald article that you posted on Tue Apr 22, 2014 9:22 am, that started with your comment "Beautiful article as to why we don't need to be A." I found myself nodding in agreement with the writer more than several times while reading it (especially about the correlation between higher attendance and the limited use of import players).

Thanks again and keep up the good work.
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by RocketGirl »

joehockey wrote:The only player I've heard from the league that has advanced himself so far is Verboom? One player in the entire league was able to secure a scholarship? That right there is why kids want to go to the OJHL, CCHL, BCHL, etc.
As stated, Kestner got himself a scholly, I can't remember where he's going, but I think it's Alabama-Huntsville. Nick Boyer is going to Mercyhurst with Verboom. Wes Baker is going to Mercyhurst with Verboom. That Connor Murphy kid from Caledonia got himself a D1 scholly.

Yes, scholarships are few and far between in our league, but don't tell me scouts don't come to our games. I know someone who is cousins with an OHL scout and he told her that he was at about 6 Rocket games this year. Scouts just don't make themselves known. They want to see what you're going to do without knowing they are there. When they want to talk to you, then they'll present themselves.

Thanks for the love ah-chielove. I try my best to pass on the news to everyone else.

And Port, you're getting on my last nerve. The article mentioned Waterloo's firing of their coach, so I gave my opinion about it. It's not completely off-topic like your school-yard arguments with anyone and everyone about anything and everything.
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by Port hockey1 »

joehockey wrote:Port, give it a rest.
I don't believe I was replying to you, thanks anyways. :roll:
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by Port hockey1 »

RocketGirl wrote:
joehockey wrote:The only player I've heard from the league that has advanced himself so far is Verboom? One player in the entire league was able to secure a scholarship? That right there is why kids want to go to the OJHL, CCHL, BCHL, etc.
As stated, Kestner got himself a scholly, I can't remember where he's going, but I think it's Alabama-Huntsville. Nick Boyer is going to Mercyhurst with Verboom. Wes Baker is going to Mercyhurst with Verboom. That Connor Murphy kid from Caledonia got himself a D1 scholly.

Yes, scholarships are few and far between in our league, but don't tell me scouts don't come to our games. I know someone who is cousins with an OHL scout and he told her that he was at about 6 Rocket games this year. Scouts just don't make themselves known. They want to see what you're going to do without knowing they are there. When they want to talk to you, then they'll present themselves.

Thanks for the love ah-chielove. I try my best to pass on the news to everyone else.

And Port, you're getting on my last nerve. The article mentioned Waterloo's firing of their coach, so I gave my opinion about it. It's not completely off-topic like your school-yard arguments with anyone and everyone about anything and everything.
Well....I guess that's your opinion. In my opinion, off topic is off topic. You post a lot of comments that come off as if you're dictating, IMO. But you get upset with anyone else that cements their opinion that disagrees with yours. You like to say things how you see them, me too.

Relax and don't take things so personal, good day RG. :)
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by Blades »

Topics have a tendency to wander off a bit but sometimes they get way off the mark and need to be redirected. The there is the arguing which is ok but sometimes the bickering gets to be a bit much. Sometimes a mod or an admin will try to steer things in a better direction, sometimes they make post in response by another member. It is not "personal" but simply a means of trying to keep things moving with respectful disagreement.
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by goalie34 »

RocketGirl wrote:Beautiful article as to why we don't need to be A.

Junior B hockey is a great product just as it is
By Steve Rice, Stratford Beacon Herald


The import issue

GOJHL teams want Junior A status not only to avoid losing their best players to the OJHL and to help recruit players, but also to have unlimited imports rather than the limit of seven currently imposed by the OHA.

GOJHL chairman Shawn McKelvie, and others, have suggested that even with unlimited imports, GOJHL teams would not operate any differently than they do now and would maintain a healthy number of local or area players on their rosters. As McKelvie correctly notes, that’s “the backbone of their success.”

Unfortunately, that’s an optimistic view.
Two teams in the GOJHL this year had victories taken away because they dressed eight import players for games. There are owners and ownership groups with deep pockets who would be only too happy to load up their rosters with players from anywhere and everywhere if it meant winning a championship.


steve.rice@sunmedia.ca
They were back up goalies in emergency situations, but you know, twist the facts whichever way you need to if it helps make your case. :roll:
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by goalie34 »

RocketGirl wrote:
Win for Falcons

Having conference finalists face off in a second playoff series for the Sutherland Cup may not be the worst-case scenario of the GOJHL’s new playoff format

Having a conference loser win the Cup would be.

The St. Catharines Falcons, who lost the Golden Horseshoe final to the Caledonia Corvairs but advanced as a wild card, took a 1-0 lead in the Sutherland championship series with a 7-2 win Wednesday night in Caledonia.

Brennan Feasey had four goals and an assist for the Falcons, who rallied after falling behind 2-0 in the first seven minutes.


steve.rice@sunmedia.ca
Did you say the same thing in 2012 when the Shawinigan Cataractes won the Memorial Cup only because they hosted? I doubt it Steve.
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by Port hockey1 »

Blades wrote:Topics have a tendency to wander off a bit but sometimes they get way off the mark and need to be redirected. The there is the arguing which is ok but sometimes the bickering gets to be a bit much. Sometimes a mod or an admin will try to steer things in a better direction, sometimes they make post in response by another member. It is not "personal" but simply a means of trying to keep things moving with respectful disagreement.
I'm thinking this issue has been resolved privately. :) Thank you for your reply.(I believe it was directed to me)

Apologies to RG for getting a little bent out of shape. :)
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by Blades »

Port hockey1 wrote:
Blades wrote:Topics have a tendency to wander off a bit but sometimes they get way off the mark and need to be redirected. The there is the arguing which is ok but sometimes the bickering gets to be a bit much. Sometimes a mod or an admin will try to steer things in a better direction, sometimes they make post in response by another member. It is not "personal" but simply a means of trying to keep things moving with respectful disagreement.
I'm thinking this issue has been resolved privately. :) Thank you for your reply.(I believe it was directed to me)

Apologies to RG for getting a little bent out of shape. :)
Actually, Port, it wasn't directed at your specifically. I thought it might be a good idea to remind those who have been here for a while and as an FYI to those who are new to the forum this past season, why a mod or an admin might step in.
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joehockey

Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by joehockey »

You are right about the other players receiving scholarships, my mistake I forgot about those previous announcements. Still, the OJHL and other Jr. leagues like the CCHL or BCHL have a lot more emphasis on advancing players to the NCAA and not the OHL (IMO) and that is huge drawing factor for elite players or late developers who were overlooked by the OHL draft. Yes, the GOJHL does get scouted but not very heavily by any league other then the OHL. I think the GOJHL needs to decide what their goal is for players and organizations and fully embrace that direction. If it's moving kids to the OHL as a feeder system then let it be known and partner up with the OHL as the top feeder system and really spread the message. You have to do something more to set the league apart!
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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by GoWest »

Thought you might like to know, on the OJHL forum they are saying that the OHF has rejected the GOJHL Jr A classification appeal and the subject is now dead.

The GOJHL was denied by the OHA. The OHF then upheld the OHA's decision without even hearing the GOJHL's appeal. The only option left is to appeal to Hockey Canada who will once again uphold the decision of the OHA and OHF.

The OHA signed into a 7 year agreement that saw the OJHL as the only Junior A branded league under it's jurisdiction for that period. I believe this will be the 4th year of that agreement. The GOJHL thinks there are holes in this agreement and they will fight on that basis.

The GOJHL can hold out for as long as they want but even a Hockey Canada appeal will not heard and a decision rendered before the coming season starts so at least one more season at the Junior B moniker.


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Re: OHA denies Junior A Request

Post by RocketGirl »

Apparently the OHF won't hear the Transition Team's appeal.

http://blackburnnews.com/chatham/chatha ... rned-down/
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