The Ontario Hockey Association’s Annual General Meeting begins today at Alliston with the Board of Directors Meeting.
Between now and Saturday, there could be some clarification regarding the future of junior hockey in Collingwood; but then again, the scenario may become more clouded.
In a nutshell, the Ontario Junior Hockey League ( OJHL ), or Junior A Hockey, made a move to upgrade their product by reducing the number of teams competing.
As a result, Collingwood, along with Orangeville & Dixie, were ” contracted. “
As part of the agreement, the OJHL maintained the territorial rights to the Collingwood market, meaning any attempt by Collingwood hockey interests to operate Junior Hockey at any level in the community, needs approval from the OJHL, who truthfully recognize the fan base in Collingwood as being a valuable commodity.
Furthermore, Collingwood is cornered in terms of joining another league.
Junior B Hockey in the MidWest Conference for Collingwood would entail the same expenses that hampered the now-departed Junior A Blackhawks.
Junior C Hockey also isn’t an option for Collingwood as neighbouring centers in Stayner, Midland and Alliston would veto any attempt by Collingwood to play in the Georgian MidOntario loop.
So, in a real paradox, the Ontario Hockey Association has a great market in Collingwood with a terrific hockey history and a solid fan base, but the OJHL won’t allow them to operate in Junior A, Junior B doesn’t make economical sense and the Junior C teams don’t want them.
Crazy.
I’m Fred Wallace