Minto 81’s be a part of new senior hockey league
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Groups primarily based in Minto and Erin shall be a part of a brand new Senior AA hockey league.
An Aug. 17 assertion by the Ontario Hockey Affiliation (OHA) says the brand new Ontario Elite Hockey League (OEHL) will start play in October, that includes 10 groups from the previous Western Ontario Athletic Affiliation (WOAA) Senior AA loop.
Former WOAA groups shifting to the OEHL are: Creemore Coyotes, Durham Thundercats, Lucknow Lancers, Milverton 4 Wheel Drives, Minto 81’s, Ripley Wolves, Saugeen Shores Winterhawks, Seaforth Centenaires, Shelburne Muskies and Tavistock Royals.
The Georgian Bay Applekings, who will play out of Thornbury and Erin Outlaws will be a part of the league as growth groups, the OHA states.
The OEHL golf equipment will play a 22-game common season starting Oct. 6.
The OHA assertion signifies the purpose in forming the brand new league is “guaranteeing Senior AA hockey throughout Ontario’s small cities thrives.” The OHA is the governing physique for almost all of Junior and Senior hockey leagues in province.
“We’re excited so as to add Ontario Elite Hockey League (OEHL) to the OHA. Via this endeavor, 12 groups shall be added to our Senior hockey class bringing our complete variety of groups within the OHA as much as 124,” mentioned OHA Chair Marc Mercier.
“As well as, this is a chance to develop alongside the OEHL and to present grownup gamers in Ontario enhanced aggressive alternatives to proceed their taking part in days as a valued a part of the OHA household.”
In an internet assertion, the OEHL acknowledged the transfer shouldn’t be attributable to issues with the WOAA.
“We need to be completely clear – there was completely no sick will or dissatisfaction with the WOAA. They nurtured and supported senior hockey for 80 years. We owe an ideal debt to that tremendous group. This transfer is strictly to make sure our league can thrive into the longer term,” league officers state.
Minto 81’s coaching camp begins Sept. 19.
