The Canadian Junior 'A' Hockey League is optimistic that several bids will be submitted for the first world junior A challenge following positive reports received at the CJAHL annual meeting Aug. 9-10 in Winnipeg.
The Hockey Canada deadline is Sept. 15 for the inaugural world junior A challenge, to be staged in Canada in October, 2006.
Hockey Canada approved the world junior A challenge at its annual general meeting in Saint John, N. B., in May.
Eight teams will compete in the world junior A challenge, including eastern and western representatives from the CJAHL, which encompasses 140 teams in 10 member leagues.
It is expected that five European teams and a U. S. team will also play in the world junior A challenge, open to players aged 19 and under.
A Hockey Canada selection committee will make the decision on the site for the initial world junior A challenge after the bid process is complete.
CJAHL presidents and commissioners unanimously supported a proposal to stage a prospects game. An announcement will be made before mid-September about the first prospects game in 2005-06.
The presidents and commissioners also passed a motion supporting a cap on player transfer fees. Sanctions have been recommended for team representatives deemed responsible for exceeding the cap.
Paul Lake of Fullarton, Ont., was named the president of the CJAHL. Lake was the chairman of the board in 2004-05 and has extensive experience with the Ontario Hockey Association.
Lake was the OHA chairman for two years, chaired the OHA referee executive committee and was OHA junior chairman before becoming the association vice-chairman.
Alberta Junior Hockey League president Kim Marsh of Red Deer remains the western vice-chairman. Central Junior Hockey League commissioner Mac MacLean of Athens, Ont., continues as eastern vice-chairman.
Wayne McKnight of Carp, Ont., was named the CJAHL secretary.
Marty Knack of Edmonton, the CJAHL president for seven seasons, will serve as the treasurer and media relations officer.
Please check the CJAHL web site at www.cjahl.com for all your Canadian junior A information
