Manitoba Junior Hockey League

Manitoba Junior Hockey League

Countries	Canada
Region(s)	Manitoba
Commissioner	Kim Davis
Former name(s)	Winnipeg and District League
Founded	1918
No. of teams	11
Associated Title(s)	Western Canada Cup Royal Bank Cup
Recent Champions	Portage Terriers
Most successful club	Winnipeg Blues (17)
Website	MJHLhockey.ca

The Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) is a Junior 'A' ice hockey league operating in the Canadian province of Manitoba. The MJHL is one of eleven Junior 'A' Hockey Leagues in Canada and is a member of the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL).

The MJHL consists of 11 teams playing a balanced 60-game schedule, with ten teams qualifying for the playoffs. The top six teams qualify for the quarter-finals, while the seventh through tenth place teams play a best-of-three wildcard series to determine the final two berths. The quarter-final, semi-final, and final rounds are all best-of-seven series, with the champion being awarded the Turnbull Cup. Prior to the 2014-15 season, the league had two divisions, the Addison and Sherwood.^[1][2]

The winner of the MJHL playoffs (Turnbull Cup) continues on to play in the Western Canada Cup tournament, where it competes against the champions from Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia for one of two berths in the Royal Bank Cup, the Junior "A" National Championship Tournament. From 1971 to 2012, the Manitoba champion would play in the Anavet Cup, a best-of-seven series against the champion of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, to determine who would play for the Royal Bank Cup.

History

Early years

The League has a rich tradition, first year of operation was the 1918–19 season, making it the oldest Junior League in Canada.^[3] At first the junior league was known as the Winnipeg and District League, until 1931 when it became the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. In its first year, there were nine teams in two divisions. The teams included the Winnipeg Pilgrims, Elmwood, Grand Trunk Pacific, Winnipeg Tigers, Young Men's Lutheran Club, Winnipeg Argonauts, Selkirk Fishermen, Weston, and Winnipeg Monarchs. The first season consisted of each team playing six games. Over the years, more than 200 MJHL players have gone on to the National Hockey League (NHL), and 11 of those MJHL graduates have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame:

Andy Bathgate, Turk Broda, Art Coulter, Bobby Clarke, Charlie Gardiner, Bryan Hextall, Tom Johnson, Harry Oliver, Babe Pratt, Terry Sawchuk, and Jack Stewart.

1950s

In 1955, the brothers Art and Gordon Stratton of the Winnipeg Barons set a league record for most points in a single season with 76 each. In 1957, Ray Brunel of the St. Boniface Canadiens broke it with 105.

1960s

In the early sixties the powerhouse Brandon Wheat Kings - built by Jake Milford - won three titles in a row, and four in five years. In 1961 goalie Ernie Wakely of the Winnipeg Braves was named Canada's outstanding junior hockey player for the month of January. In 1962 Clarence Campbell president of the NHL attended inaugural Manitoba–Saskatchewan all-star game in Winnipeg.

In 1963 Jim Irving, captain of the Winnipeg Rangers, was named Manitoba's outstanding junior athlete and received the Carl Pederson Memorial Award.

Goaltender Wayne Stephenson led the Winnipeg Braves to the MJHL Championship in 1965. In 1967 future Hall of Famer Bobby Clarke of the Flin Flon Bombers set league records for most goals (71), assists (112), and points (183) in a single season. Clarke led the Bombers to win the MJHL title.

Modern era

1967 and 1968

During the summer of 1967, the MAHA agreed to allow three teams to enter the Western Hockey League (WCHL), the Brandon Wheat Kings and the Flin Flon Bombers from the MJHL, and the Ben Hatskin's owned Winnipeg Jets. Hatskin also owned three MJHL teams. Part of the agreement was the continuation of the MJHL. Hatskin sold his three teams to local interests. The Winnipeg Warriors became the West Kildonan North Stars, the St. James Braves became the St. James Canadians, and the Winnipeg Rangers became the St. Boniface Saints. These three teams along with the Winnipeg Monarchs became the new MJHL.

The Selkirk Steelers, however opted to join the upstart Central Manitoba Junior Hockey League (CMJHL). The very next year, the MJHL absorbed the CMJHL, creating a North Division to house all four teams: the Steelers, Portage Terriers, Dauphin Kings, and Kenora Muskies, who had operated out of Fort Garry the previous year. The existing teams created the South Division.^[4]

Japanese star

On September 19, 1968, the Winnipeg Monarchs announced the signing of Hiroshi Hori, a defenceman from Japan. Hori, a high school all-star in his homeland, would spend a year with the team and then return home to pass on what he had learned. A Canadian missionary to Japan, Father Moran was behind the idea. With CAHA approval, Moran convinced the Japanese Skating Union to sponsor one player to a year in Canada. The CAHA chose Winnipeg as the site because of the added experience from watching the Canadian National Team, and the Monarchs volunteered.

Butch Goring incident

On Sunday February 9, 1969, the MJHL held a special emergency meeting to discuss Butch Goring leaving the Winnipeg Jets of the WCHL and joining the Dauphin Kings. Goring played the night before in Kenora for the Kings during a regular season game. The MJHL gave the Kings approval to use Goring in regular season and playoff games. Goring was leading the WCHL in goals at the time. Monday, WCHL president Ron Butlin said a court injunction would be sought against Goring and another Jet forward Merv Haney from playing with the Dauphin Kings. Also saying the CHA would be "taking whatever action is necessary against Dauphin and the MAHA for damages." Goring and Haney would play for the Kings, all the way to the Western Memorial Cup Finals.

Swedish import

In September 1971, Winnipeg Monarchs President Bob Westmacott announced 17-year-old Stephan Lindberg of Sweden had been invited to training camp. Jack Bownass, former coach of Canada's national team, recommended Lindberg to the Monarchs.

The new MJHL

The Dauphin Kings were the first "dynasty" of the new MJHL, winning the league three out of four years, 1969, 1970, and 1972, and boasting such stars as Ron Low, Butch Goring, and Ron Chipperfield. The Kings went to the Western Memorial Cup final in 1969, and in 1972 recorded 40 wins, a modern-day MJHL record. Charlie Simmer of the Kenora Muskies won the scoring title in 1973, the same year the Portage Terriers were crowned National Champs, winning the Centennial Cup. In 1974, the Selkirk Steelers won the national crown, giving the MJHL back to back "Canadian Championships". It was players such as Low, Goring, Chipperfield, Simmer, Chuck Arnason, Murray Bannerman, Paul Baxter, John Bednarski, Rick Blight, Dan Bonar, Brian Engblom, Glen Hanlon, Bob Joyce, Barry Legge, Perry Miller, Chris Oddleifson, Curt Ridley, Rick St. Croix, Blaine Stoughton, and Andy Van Hellemond who gave the new MJHL its foundation.

Selkirk Steelers domination

The Selkirk Steelers dominated, between 1974 and 1987, winning eight MJHL championships, including three in a row. The 1974 Steelers were inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame, as were the 1973 Portage Terriers. In 1975, Jim Misener of the Dauphin Kings led the league in goals with 73, breaking Bobby Clarke's single season record of 71. In 1977, the Dauphin Kings won their fourth MJHL title in a decade, led by Misener who became the MJHL career leader in goals, assists, and points.

Chris Walby incident

On April 5, 1977, MJHL commissioner Bill Addison called off the Turnbull Cup Finals between the Dauphin Kings and Kildonan North Stars, saying "No, I am not going to allow these characters an opportunity to beat on each other any longer. I am calling the series (a best-of-seven) and awarding it to Dauphin on the basis they won two of the three games completed." The decision came just hours after the two clubs had engaged in a pre-game brawl, in which two Kings players were taken to hospital and two North Stars were criminally charged. Chris Walby was convicted of common assault, and granted a conditional discharge. The CAHA was not as kind, suspending Walby for life.

1980s and 1990s

Grant Ledyard led the Winnipeg South Blues to the first of four MJHL Championships in 8 years in 1982. In 1983, Mike Ridley of the St. Boniface Saints broke both Jim Misener's goal scoring record and Bobby Clarke's points record. In 95, Cory Cyrenne of the Saints was chosen Canadian Junior A Hockey League (CJAHL) Player of the Year, and the Winnipeg South Blues won their fifth championship, on their road to a second Anavet Cup, and an Abbott Cup. The 1995 Blues were inducted into Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame. In 1998, Jedd Crumb of the Blues led the CJAHL in goals with 61.

OCN Blizzard Dynasty

As the twenty first century dawned, the OCN Blizzard were dominating the MJHL, winning five straight MJHL championships from 1999 to 2003. This was a record previously achieved by only the legendary Elmwood Millionaires (1927–1931). Junior Lessard of the Portage Terriers was named CJAHL Player of the Year in 2000. Blizzard goaltenders Preston McKay (1998) and Marc Andre Leclerc (2001) led the CJAHL in goals against average, and left winger Andrew Coates (2003) led in goals. In 2004, Aaron Starr of the Blizzard became the first MJHL player to lead the CJAHL in scoring with 118 points.

Portage Terriers

As the Blizzard's dynasty came to an end, the Terriers were beginning their own golden age with a trip to the MJHL finals in 2003-04. The Terriers lost the series, but laid claim to the title the following season. This would start a run of six championships and two Anavet Cups over eleven years. The 2014-15 Terriers set a new league record for single-season winning percentage (.917) when they dominated the MJHL with a 53-3-4 record during the regular season and went undefeated in the playoffs to capture their ninth Turnbull Cup. The Terriers capped off their dream season by winning the 2015 Royal Bank Cup on home ice in Portage la Prairie.^[5]

Neepawa hazing incident

In October 2011, the Neepawa Natives reported a hazing incident to Kim Davis, MJHL Commissioner. After an investigation, Davis confirmed that a 15-year-old player had come forward with allegations of sexual-based rookie hazing in the Natives' locker room. A record $5000 fine and 18 suspensions resulted from the incident. The Natives gained even more negative press by benching and refusing to release or trade the 15-year-old who brought the issue to light.^[6]

Current teams

Turnbull Cup Champions

Team Locations (including former divisional alignment)

The Turnbull Cup

For the Western Regional playoffs, please go to the Western Canada Cup.

For the National Championship, please go to the Royal Bank Cup.

Post MJHL Playoffs

Formats

Since 2012-13, the winner of the MJHL playoffs (Turnbull Cup) has earned a berth in the Western Canada Cup, a five-team regional tournament featuring the league champions from the MJHL, Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, Alberta Junior Hockey League, and British Columbia Hockey League, and a predetermined host team. The top two teams from this tournament qualify for the Royal Bank Cup, the national Junior 'A' tournament.

From 1971 to 2012, the Turnbull Cup champion would play the winner of SJHL playoffs (Credential Cup) for the Anavet Cup. From 1991 to 2012, the winner of that series would go to the Royal Bank Cup tournament (1991-94 Centennial Cup tournament). An Abbott Cup Champion was crowned from the results of the round robin part of this tournament until 1999, when the Cup was retired. Prior to 1991, the Anavet Cup Champions advanced to the Abbott Cup against the winner of AJHL/BCHL (Doyle Cup). With the winner going on to the Centennial Cup meeting the Eastern Canada Champions for the National Junior ‘A’ title.

Prior to the reorganization of Canadian junior hockey in 1970-1971, the MJHL winner competed for the Abbott Cup (Western Canadian Junior Championship), and then the Memorial Cup for the National Junior Championship. These post-MJHL playoffs were commonly known as the Memorial Cup playoffs. For the MJHL champions, the road was firstly the western semi-finals and finals for the Abbott Cup, and then the Memorial Cup Finals. During this 53-year era (1918-1970), MJHL Teams won 18 Abbott Cups, and 11 Memorial Cups.

Manitoba/Saskatchewan Junior ‘A’ Hockey Championships

Anavet Cup (1971 to 2012)

Western Canadian Junior Hockey Championships

Abbott Cup (1919 to 1970) Western Canadian Junior Championships

Abbott Cup (1971 to 1999) Western Canadian Junior ‘A’ Championships

National Junior Hockey Championships

Memorial Cup (1919-1970) National Junior Championships

Centennial Trophy (1971 to 1990) National Junior ‘A’ Championships

Royal Bank Cup (1996 to present) National Junior ‘A’ Championships

Awards and leaders

Individual awards

• Steve "Boomer" Hawrysh Award MVP
• MJHL Top Goaltender Award
• Brian Kozak Award Top Defenceman
• Vince Leah Trophy Rookie of the Year
• Lorne Lyndon Memorial Trophy Hockey Ability and Sportsmanship
• Muzz McPherson Award Coach of the Year
• Mike Ridley Trophy Scoring Champion
• MJHL Top Goal Scorers
• MJHL All-Star Teams
• MJHL All Rookie Team
• MJHL Playoff MVP
• CJAHL Player of the Year (MJHL)

Scholarships

• RBC Financial Group MJHL Scholarship
• Ed Belfour High Performance Award
• Frank McKinnon Scholarship

Records

• MJHL Top 10 Goal Scorers

National Hockey League

• List of MJHL players drafted by the NHL

Timeline of teams in the MJHL

• 1918-The league is founded as the Winnipeg & District League
• 1930-Winnipeg Monarchs and Kenora Thistles join league
• 1931-Winnipeg & District League is renamed the Manitoba Junior Hockey League
• 1936-St. James Canadians join league
• 1938-Brandon Wheat Kings become the Brandon Elks
• 1939-Winnipeg Rangers join league
• 1940-Brandon Elks become the Brandon Wheat Kings
• 1940-Kenora Thistles fold
• 1942-Portage Terriers join league
• 1945-St. James Canadians become St. James Orioles
• 1946-St. James Orioles relocate to Winnipeg and become the Winnipeg Canadians
• 1947-Portage Terriers fold
• 1947-Winnipeg Rangers become the Winnipeg Black Hawks
• 1952-Winnipeg Black Hawks become the Winnipeg Barons
• 1952-Winnipeg Canadians relocate to St. Boniface and become the St. Boniface Canadiens
• 1956-Winnipeg Braves and new Winnipeg Rangers join league
• 1957-Winnipeg Barons fold
• 1957-Winnipeg Rangers relocate to Brandon and become the Brandon Rangers
• 1958-Brandon Rangers relocate to Transcona and become the Transcona Rangers
• 1959-Transcona Rangers return to Winnipeg and become the Winnipeg Rangers
• 1963-Fort Frances Royals join league for one season
• 1964-Brandon Wheat Kings leave to join SJHL
• 1964-St. Boniface Canadiens relocate to Winnipeg and become the Winnipeg Warriors
• 1966-Brandon Wheat Kings rejoin league
• 1966-Winnipeg Braves become the St. James Braves
• 1967-Brandon Wheat Kings leave to join WCHL
• 1967-St. James Braves become the St. James Canadians
• 1967-Winnipeg Rangers relocate to St. Boniface and become the St. Boniface Saints
• 1967-Winnipeg Warriors relocate to Kildonan and become the West Kildonan North Stars
• 1968-MJHL-CMJHL merger: Dauphin Kings, Kenora Muskies, Portage Terriers, and Selkirk Steelers join league
• 1973-Brandon Travellers join league
• 1975-Kenora Muskies become the Kenora Thistles
• 1975-Thompson King Miners join league
• 1976-West Kildonan North Stars become Kildonan North Stars
• 1976-Winnipeg Monarchs become the Assiniboine Park Monarchs
• 1977-Assiniboine Park Monarchs become the Fort Garry Blues
• 1978-Thompson King Miners fold
• 1980-Brandon Travellers fold
• 1980-Winkler Flyers join league
• 1982-Kenora Thistles fold
• 1984-Fort Garry Blues become the Winnipeg South Blues
• 1984-Thunder Bay Hornets join league
• 1985-Steinbach Hawks join league
• 1986-Thunder Bay Hornets fold
• 1988-Southeast Thunderbirds join league
• 1988-Steinbach Hawks fold
• 1989-Neepawa Natives join league
• 1990-Kildonan North Stars fold
• 1992-Southeast Thunderbirds relocate to Sakgeeng and became the Southeast Blades
• 1996-OCN Blizzard join league
• 1999-Waywayseecappo Wolverines and Swan Valley Stampeders join league
• 2000-St. Boniface Saints become the Winnipeg Saints
• 2003-St. James Canadians take one-year leave of absence and fold one year later
• 2007-Southeast Blades relocate to Beausejour and become the Beausejour Blades
• 2009-Beausejour Blades relocate to Steinbach and become the Steinbach Pistons
• 2010-Winnipeg Saints relocate to St. Adolphe
• 2010-Winnipeg South Blues become the Winnipeg Blues
• 2011-Winnipeg Saints relocate to Winnipeg
• 2012-Winnipeg Saints relocate to Virden and become the Virden Oil Capitals

Defunct teams

List of MJHL seasons

See also

• List of MJHL seasons
• Manitoba Junior Hockey League players
• Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame

References

External links

• Manitoba Junior Hockey League website