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Post by mlh01 on Jan 31, 2024 12:42:49 GMT -5
My understanding is Brampton won’t be back, even before the announcement of Major Jr A returning to Brampton. Two non competitive years in a row.
The hope was/is that with the creation of the new Senior AA league (Ontario Elite Hockey League), that is under Hockey Canada, that some of the top teams can make the jump into AAA. Sort of test the waters in AA, build a good team and fan base, then make the jump up.
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Post by mlh01 on Jan 31, 2024 12:45:45 GMT -5
There was also talk/rumours that a few of the teams in the WOSHL like Woodstock, for example, may be looking at making the leap to AAA
Something needs done. Having mainly AA leagues across the country does not provide the top level hockey you see in AAA.
We are still post-pandemic. But the hope is other areas can put together higher calibre AAA teams
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ou812
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Post by ou812 on Jan 31, 2024 12:56:56 GMT -5
I hope Woodstock is not being considered.
I put their owner in same category at Brampton owner. Long stories about his GMHL teams. That said, He does promote himself as "ex-NHL" which the ACH likes, so that fit may actually happen.
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Post by mlh01 on Jan 31, 2024 13:17:02 GMT -5
Yes for sure Woodstock is one of the teams that has been discussed at the games in Dundas and Stoney.
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ou812
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Post by ou812 on Jan 31, 2024 13:31:45 GMT -5
Well, I guess I should not be surprised.
That said, I would not put that team in the top tier of WOSHL, but of course that could change. I think they are mid-pack and .500 this season.
I really hope the ACH executive does their diligence this time around. They clearly didn't do it with Brampton ownership.
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ou812
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Post by ou812 on Feb 3, 2024 12:07:39 GMT -5
I saw last night on Twitter that the Brampton game at CAA was postponed. This morning it was rescheduled to another barn in Brampton.
... it seems Brampton is in financial trouble again and will no longer be playing out of CAA, due to funds owed/non payment of ice rental.
Didn't this happen last season too?
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Post by sprintcars on Feb 4, 2024 9:45:38 GMT -5
The only way this league will grow is with a creative marketing plan.The growth of AA in Ontario is expanding rapidly and maybe with some rules in place we can see a return to the glory days of senior hockey.
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ou812
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Post by ou812 on Feb 4, 2024 11:59:43 GMT -5
Agreed, but a marketing plan is not the "only" way. It's just one aspect.
Until this loop changes it leadership/vison and teams stop being "old boys club" mentality, nothing will change. Just look at the trail of failed teams over the years.
The AA loop has the same commissioner, but I feel the other AA non sanctioned league(s) are the ones picking up steam. It's an issue (IMHO) to have the same guy over see both loops.
Also, to quote Don Robertson (Real McCoys owner) interviewed this week... his team is a "hobby". You can't grow a league when men are in it for selfish pleasure reasons. That's a paraphrased direct comment from him! Hobby and selfish pleasure! However without him financially the last few years, ACH in Ontario dies. I hear he owned/part owned two of the 4 teams at one point and floated Brampton a life line last season (not confirmed)
again, IMHO the biggest problem is the league is under OHA/Hockey Canada blueprint. Their rules are meant for minor hockey. One major change needed is to make everyone a free agent at the end of the season and not have to deal with releasing players and maybe have roster limits to impact recruiting of players?
This is not minor hockey, so run/rule the league accordingly. Most players have jobs and families, but still want to play high level hockey and not be in a "pay to play" situation or typical mens beer league?
Marketing helps, but its the on-ice product is what creates a buzz. Buzz wont happen when teams lose 23-3 like last night. OMG
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Post by outwest95 on Feb 4, 2024 19:54:35 GMT -5
Gotta market and perform. They go hand in hand. Leagues have to have value and add value to franchises. And of course have that competitive element.
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ou812
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Post by ou812 on Feb 20, 2024 12:28:49 GMT -5
So, here is what I am hearing... ACH in Ontario want 6 teams next season. One or two will be bumped up from AA loop. Likely Woodstock is one and possibly Creemore. Creamore has good ownership and executive staff. JZ with Woodstock is a character who pumps his exNHL status ( I think it's 4 games with Boston??)... and ACH like that sort of thing, but is well known for high fees on players when he had his team in GMHL.
Rumours of Buccaneers returning if they can find a new owner. Hearing DA from Caledon Jr A, B, C had expressed interest and almost added the Crusaders in 2019/20 but pandemic halted that and he likes pay to play model too. Also, hear co-ownership possibly being with MC from Siskins with DA and Richmond Hill may be the destination. However DA likes having all his teams in one rink.
Lastly hear a deal is already in place with DS of Collingwood Blues OJHL and will play out of Wasaga Beach. Although DC is also a bit of a question owner and his tactics in the past are well documented in OJHL forums. Recently it was reported he "bullied" the town of collingwood to an arena deal that expired recently by pre-committing to OJHL next year for 24/25.
All this Remains to be seen, but IMHO the ACH executive is looking at $$$ again vs doing a vetting job on the owners. Of course this is all rink rumours but those folks tend to have a finger on things going on in my experience
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Post by sprintcars on Feb 20, 2024 16:07:45 GMT -5
Why would Creemore join this league when there is only 3 teams. Double AA hockey is booming and there is 11 teams in there loop.Maybe its time to re think senior AAA hockey and re brand it AA.That designation never affected the Clarenville Caribous last year as they nearly won it.
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ou812
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Post by ou812 on Feb 20, 2024 16:58:08 GMT -5
No idea. Just sharing what I was told. The ACH have been pretty vocal around saying they want 6 teams next season, so who knows.
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Post by IceMan_M on Feb 21, 2024 10:47:01 GMT -5
It would be interesting to see how the Chinook league does next season, I'm hearing Cremona is coming back, with the same ownership group (which is concerning as to how it played out last time) and the possibility of one more team joining, making it a 4 team league again. I had also heard early rumblings of a Calgary area team, but nothing concrete or for a while.
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Post by mlh01 on Feb 21, 2024 23:09:13 GMT -5
Why would Creemore join this league when there is only 3 teams. Double AA hockey is booming and there is 11 teams in there loop.Maybe its time to re think senior AAA hockey and re brand it AA.That designation never affected the Clarenville Caribous last year as they nearly won it. The difference in level of play between most of the AA teams and the AAA is enormous. There are many restrictions in place that prohibit teams from carrying too many ex-pro players. The AAA leagues do not have these restrictions. Most AAA players are ex pros whereas most AA players are lower level Jr or Cdn university level players. As for Clarenville, that was not their AA team. They picked up about 10 players from the other AA teams. Was essentially an all star team from Newfoundland. In fairness, even in the glory days this happened with Nfld teams. The island population is less than Hamilton, Ontario. Very hard to build a true competitive AAA team nowadays. I believe the Nfld team will be built similarly this season. To designate all teams as AA would be a huge mistake. The goal is not to water down the hockey, but to build high level Senior hockey. AA hockey has its place.
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Post by outwest95 on Feb 21, 2024 23:24:42 GMT -5
It would be interesting to see how the Chinook league does next season, I'm hearing Cremona is coming back, with the same ownership group (which is concerning as to how it played out last time) and the possibility of one more team joining, making it a 4 team league again. I had also heard early rumblings of a Calgary area team, but nothing concrete or for a while. I don’t think Cremona will be there next year, I don’t think the league would want a Brampton situation. However you never know what can happen. Been rumblings for years of a Calgary area team, I’ll believe it when I see it. No doubt the Chinook wants more teams and more hockey to be played. Appetite is coming back for an elite level league. In what fashion that is I couldn’t tell you.
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