MJHL expansion: second franchise for Winnipeg

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This article was published 04/09/2020 (2039 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The timing of the news was almost as stunning as the announcement itself.

On Friday night, the MJHL said it will be expanding to 12 teams and the new franchise will be fast-tracked to begin play during the 2020-21 season and based in Winnipeg.

The league is preparing to open its pandemic-delayed regular season on Oct. 9 with training camps getting underway on Sept. 21.

The fledgling club – with a nickname that wasn’t revealed – will join the Blues, who were established in 1930. 

Both clubs will be owned by 50 Below Sports + Entertainment, the parent company of the WHL’s Winnipeg Ice.

The Blues will continue to play at the Rink Training Centre but a playing home for the new franchise has yet to be revealed.

MJHL commissioner Kevin Saurette was not available for a full media briefing but responded to the Free Press via text when asked how the team would get its players.

“All competitive elements/restrictions involving the new franchise will be outlined next week,” said Saurette.

Meanwhile, Ice president and GM Matt Cockell said a GM and head coach for the new franchise have been chosen but won’t be unveiled until a later date.

“We’ve really enjoyed the relationship we’ve had with the league so far and the great work by (former commissioner) Kim Davis and now Kevin (Saurette) to navigate successfully through COVID from both a health and safety perspective and to get real creative to ensure there’s a season,” said Cockell, whose company purchased the Blues one year ago.

“There’s a development option for players here in the province of Manitoba and we really wanted to continue the great work that’s been happening.”

Cockell had no comment on the acquisition of players but 50 Below announced Friday it will hold a player identification camp for prospects born between 2000 and 2005 on Sept. 8-10.

The new team could also give the league flexibility it will need to structure a schedule that both reduces travel and aids with a new divisional alignment. Both are considered important to carrying out Phase 2 of Return to Play Plan.

Apart from the main announcement, few other details were forthcoming Friday.

“We’re going to be releasing some information that’ll be really exciting next week related to team, the name of the team, branding and leadership — coach and GM,” said Cockell. “I think it’s going to be a real exciting option for players in Winnipeg.”

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @sawa14