OHA meetings

[gonefishin]

Just back from fishing and thought I would see if anything is going on in Shoe-land. A quiet off season so far. Heard the OHA were meeting this past weekend. I guess nothing happened?? Any changes for next year that will affect the Shoe, the GOHL or any of the teams? Nothing on the OHA site. You'd almost think

[panther692006]

ya one big one i know in the midwest divison you play 21 in your divison and 27 against the other two divisons

[tool]

there is going to be a tournament weekend of interlocking games and this will replace the FE tournament from what I understand
all games palyed at Seymour Hannah (not sure of spelling) in St. Kitts
sort of like a tournament, with Mid West and Western teams - but games will also count in standings
talk is by next year, GHL will move to Tier II as a division - i'll believe that when i see it

[gonefishin]

Heard there might be a "super league" come out of the meetings this year. Looks like that did not quite pan out. Heard OHA will be realigning and redefining teams very soon to compensate for these teams being basically pulled out of the schedule. Any speculation on who gets redefined.

Here is what I found on the new league:

Eight Teams Named to Central Div. of OPJHL
June 21st, 2008


TORONTO (June 19, 2008) -- Eight teams from the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League (OPJHL) have agreed to participate in a pilot project that will emphasize rigorous operating standards and an increased commitment to developing young players for the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and other higher levels within the sport in Canada and abroad.

The one-year pilot project was approved the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) Board of Directors. Beginning with the 2008/2009 season, the teams will remain members of the OPJHL but compete under a separate administrative structure and operating guidelines as the Central Division.

Members of the new Central Division are:

- Cobourg Cougars
- Hamilton Red Wings
- Markham Waxers
- Newmarket Hurricanes
- St. Michael's Buzzers
- Stouffville Spirit
- Toronto Junior Canadiens
- Wellington Dukes

Central Division teams will play an independent schedule within the division, with the champion advancing to the OPJHL playoff semifinals. A ninth team may join the pilot pending the OHA's ongoing review of division realignment within the OPJHL.

Among the key initiatives of the Central Division pilot project:

- Central Division teams agree to follow a strict set of operating and corporate governance principles.
- Teams will maintain financial records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and will operate in an “open-book” and fully transparent environment.
- The Central Division will have strict standards for rink qualities, video capabilities, scouting amenities, and team marketing.
- There will be mandatory-play rules for 16 year olds and reduced opportunities for 20 year olds who have already played major junior hockey.
- Teams will follow a Central Division-sponsored educational development plan to prepare players for their academic futures as well as hockey.
- The Central Division is committed to hiring an executive director who will be accountable to the teams involved and will help with and oversee all Central Division dealings with key partners, including the OHA, OHL, CIS, NCAA, OPJHL, and external service providers to the Central Division.

"This pilot project is part of a continuing effort to promote higher standards of competition and corporate governance," said Karen Phibbs, chairman of the Ontario Hockey Association. "It will allow teams to test and nurture concepts that we believe can help all of junior hockey improve our product."

"Our goal is to evaluate business and operating practices that can result in more players moving on to the OHL, CIS, NCAA, and other higher levels of hockey," said Mike McCarron, president of the St. Michael's Buzzers. "We're an organized, committed group. By working collectively, collaboratively, and adopting a 'league-first' philosophy, we're positioned to create a better environment for players, their families, and the fans and communities that support our teams."


Found this on the very much watered down approved plan:

[rocketgirl]

Jun 19, 2008 14:00:10 GMT -5 panther692006 said:

ya one big one i know in the midwest divison you play 21 in your divison and 27 against the other two divisons

There are inter-conference games, but it's only 4, home and away with each conference. Which, from my understanding, the majority of these will be played at the Thanksgiving tournament in St. Catharines. Other than that, I don't know if all of the changes that apply to our conference apply to yours and the Mid-West as well.

[panther692006]

rocketgirl it a 52 or 54 game schedules 21 in your own divison then 31 or 33 games interlocking that was at the gojhl meeting

[rocketgirl]

I was told we are staying at a 48 game schedule with 4 games interlocking. You could be right, going to a 54 game schedule, I don't know if everything's been hashed out yet.

**I was informed today that it's a 52 game schedule, 48 in our own conference, 4 with the other 2.**

[panther692006]

now it only 6 interlocking game cause the bush league golden horseshoe dont want to travel much