CJHL Events

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE, CANADIAN JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE ANNOUNCE GROUNDBREAKING AGREEMENT

In May 2009 Hockey Canada announced a groundbreaking agreement between the National Hockey League and Canadian Junior Hockey League that will see the NHL work with the CJHL’s ten member league and 143 teams.

Effective immediately, Hockey Canada and the CJHL will partner with the NHL to continue to grow the Junior A game across the country through its trademark events – the World Junior A Challenge, CJHL Prospects Game and National Junior A Championship – as well as investing in the development of players, coaches and officials involved with Junior A hockey across the country.

In addition, the agreement will further a partnership with NHL Central Scouting, allowing scouts to get up-close-and-personal looks at the top Junior A talent in Canada while continuing to assist with player identification and development.

“The Junior A game across Canada continues to grow, and this is a terrific next step for Hockey Canada and the Canadian Junior Hockey League to take,” said Scott Smith, chief operating officer of Hockey Canada. “Through this partnership with the NHL, we expect the CJHL and its cornerstone events to continue to develop and evolve.”

“The CJHL plays an important role in developing players and providing national platforms to showcase their great on-ice product,” said NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly. “We look forward to working with the CJHL to enhance their championship and prospect tournaments.”

“For the National Hockey League to see the value in an agreement is recognition of the part that Junior A hockey plays across the country,” said Paul Lake, chairman of the CJHL. “We could not be more excited by what this partnership means to our game and our events.”

SUMMERSIDE, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND TO HOST 2009 WORLD JUNIOR A CHALLENGE

2009 World Junior A Challenge Schedule & Results

Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), announced that Summerside, P.E.I. will host the 2009 World Junior A Challenge from November 1-8, 2009, the first time in the four-year history of the tournament that it will be held east of Saskatchewan.

The 2009 World Junior A Challenge will follow the same format as previous years – two Canadian entries will be joined by four international teams, with two groups of three teams. The group winners will receive an automatic bye to the semifinals, while the second and third place teams will crossover for the quarter-finals. All 13 games of the 2009 World Junior A Challenge will take place at Credit Union Centre, home of the Maritime Junior A Hockey League’s Summerside Western Capitals.

“Canada’s Junior A leagues continue to develop world-class players, and the 2009 World Junior A Challenge will be a terrific showcase for that talent,” said Bob Nicholson, president and CEO of Hockey Canada. “We are excited to work with the CJHL on another World Junior A Challenge and continue the growth of the event.”

“The City of Summerside is excited to add another prestigious event to the list of regional, national and international events it has hosted,” said Basil Stewart, mayor of the City of Summerside. “The World Junior A Challenge allows us to bring some of the best young players in the world to the best Junior A fans in the world. The City of Summerside, Hockey PEI and the MJAHL are committed to making the 2009 World Junior A Challenge the best yet this November.”

“With the Summerside Western Capitals currently taking part in the MJAHL championship series and playing in front of an average of more than 3,400 hometown fans during this year’s playoff run, it is only fitting to announce prior to Game 3 of the Kent Cup Final on Thursday that the 2009 World Junior A Challenge is coming to our city,” said JP Desrosiers, chair of the host committee. “We could not be more honoured that Hockey Canada and the CJHL have decided to bring this event to Summerside.”

“Hockey PEI is honoured and excited to partner with the City of Summerside, the MJAHL, the CJHL and Hockey Canada to bring this prestigious event here to our province,” said Gordie Whitlock, president of Hockey PEI. “We look forward to showcasing many of the best Junior A players to the country in November.”

“This is a terrific step in the growth of the World Junior A Challenge, and the Canadian Junior Hockey League is excited to be a part of it,” CJHL chair Paul Lake said of the tournament heading east. “Our fans in Summerside and across the Maritimes will be treated to top-level hockey, and we cannot wait to bring it to them.”

Summerside joins Yorkton, Trail, B.C. (2007) and Camrose, Alta. (2008) as host cities for the World Junior A Challenge.

Every gold medal game at the World Junior A Challenge has featured at least one Canadian team. Canada West won gold at the first two tournaments, in 2006 and 2007, before taking silver in 2008. Canada East was silver medalists in 2006 and 2007 and claimed bronze in 2008.

2009 World Junior A Challenge Headlines

Four AJHL Players Selected to Compete in 2009 World Junior A Challenge

 

2009 CJHL PROSPECTS GAME

Scouts from Canadian and American universities, and the NHL will catch a glimpse of the Canadian Junior Hockey League’s (CJHL) top young players at the Annual CJHL Prospects Game on December 7-9, 2009 in Winkler, Manitoba.

The city of Winkler, Manitoba in partnership with the Manitoba Junior Hockey League will host the 2009 CJHL Prospects Game, a showcase that will see the best Junior A hockey players in Canada face off in a two game series. This marks the second occasion that Winkler will host the annual prospects game, who were successful hosts in 2007. The 2009 event will also highlight the great partnership that has recently been finalized between Hockey Canada, the CJHL and the National Hockey League.

“The Canadian Junior Hockey League is thrilled to be heading back to Winkler again. We received tremendous support in 2007 when we were there last and we are looking forward to another first class event this year as they welcome our best prospects once again.” Paul Lake – CJHL Chair

Henry Siemens, Chair of the Host Committee, said “the City of Winkler and the Winkler Flyers are excited to have the opportunity to host the CJHL Prospects Event for the second time in the past three years. This event continues to grow in size and scope and we are looking forward to hosting some of the best Junior A Hockey Players in Canada, and once again showcasing our community to players, fans and scouts”

“The Manitoba Junior Hockey League is proud to be the host League for the 2009 CJHL Prospects Game. This event has generated significant interest from the NHL and we are excited to partner with the other Leagues to provide this great opportunity for the top draft eligible Junior A players in Canada. Just like in 2007, the community of Winkler will do a tremendous job of hosting the event and the fans will see exceptional hockey by our top players.” noted Manitoba Junior Hockey League Commissioner, Kim Davis.

Stay tuned to http://cjhlhockey.com/ for additional news related to the 2009 CJHL Prospects Game, including a schedule of events, ticket sales information and roster announcements.