Mid season in the NOJHL
Thoughts to peruse as the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League approaches the Christmas holiday break:
…The so-called “big three” of the NOJHL are, in order, Soo Thunderbirds, Cochrane Crunch and Powassan Voodoos. At least that’s according to a random polling of individuals connected to the NOJHL and its teams. And to be honest, I would surprised if the Thunderbirds did not repeat as champions this 2015-2016 season.
…Which NOJHL coach gets the most from his players on a game-to-game basis? Insiders tell me the coach they would want getting their team ready for the seventh-and-deciding game of any playoff series would be Ryan Leonard of the Cochrane Crunch.
…As the economy in northern Ontario is sluggish, so too are many NOJHL teams struggling at the gate with attendance in a number of centers below projections. With expenses for NOJHL teams having increased from a year ago — commissioner Robert Mazzuca, executive director Ted Magee and administration officer Hector Seguin all received healthy raises during the off-season — perhaps the league might consider dipping into its war chest to assist franchises in financial need.
…From what I hear, officiating and travel costs are at an all-time — and alarming — high in the NOJHL. I am not sure how expenses can be drastically reduced in what has become an expensive-to-operate-in NOJHL but I just hope that the league does not lose an existing franchise.
…Rayside-Balfour Canadians part-owner Mike Mooney has confirmed that the team is for sale. Here’s hoping that someone steps up to keep an NOJHL presence in Rayside beyond this season.
With Ryan now playing in the Q it is no suprise that Mooney Sr. would want to sell the team. Hopefully as you RR say they keep the Canadians in Chemmy.
The Express are not drawing very well at all … Yes the economy sucks but some of the Fans here had better start suppoorting this Team or we are going to loose it. Chaddy , Jason & Tommy are all good peeps but we need more fans out … Win or lose this team gives a good effort.
Hmmmmm. I heard that recently Mattawa had to get a new plant installed, as the old one finally quit. Could this mean they have the capability to now have ice earlier than October? Their average attendance was better than a few current teams.
Just throwing it out there.
tick tock with some owners…
Seriously though everyone involved loves the game to a fault the big issue is at the top with too high of salaries…(my opinion.)
Lets hope junior hockey stays in the Sudbury area where ever it may land !
One area to lower costs is to do away with the two referees and revert back to 1.
This is an extremely expensive proposition for very little benefit, it is more of a retirement plan for officials who can no longer can keep up. Just because the NHL and OHL subscribe to this method, no reason for the folks with little financial resources to follow suit and if Hockey Canada wants this system, let them pay for it plain and simple. It’s a money grab for a small number of referees.
As per the Commissioner’s pay package, he is below market value compared to the majority of the junior leagues in the country, be grateful we have him for a bargain price.