EDMONTON- The Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) is strengthening its rules when it comes to financial compensation for its players.
Under new Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) regulations, sanctions for compensation of players in any way that would jeopardize his or his teammates eligibility to participate in college or university hockey will be introduced next season.
“There’s some specific sanctions in place moving forward now that will have an effect on their ability to participate in regional events, national events, as well as some financial restrictions and some roster implementations,” explained Ryan Bartoshyk, AJHL commissioner.
Under the new regulations, any team caught breaking the rules will be suspended from the AJHL playoffs and the team’s coach and general manager will also be suspended.
“Instead of being reactive, we want to be proactive. Our lifeline is the NCAA and we want to make sure we comply with the rules in the NCAA,” said AJHL Governor Darren Myshak of the Spruce Grove Saints.
The CJHL has rules in place that limit any kind of payment or benefits players can receive. If a team, or even one player, is caught breaking these rules it would no longer be classified as an amateur team.
“We’re not a professional league and that’s something that we want to stress and ensure our athletes are maintaining their eligibility to move onto the NCAA and Canadian colleges, as well,” said Bartoshyk.
While there have been rumours about teams paying players in the AJHL, nothing official has ever been brought to the league’s attention. However, in November the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL) were found to have committed player benefit violations. The organization was fined and the team lost their coach.
“Nothing like that has ever happened here. I sign every cheque that comes out of here and I know exactly what comes out of here and I have full faith … in our coaching staff. We run a program here. We don’t just run a hockey team and we know exactly what’s going on on every transaction, every player trade, everything,” said Myshak.
Myshak says the new legislation really shows what the league is all about and hopes other leagues will follow suit.
“In my 10 years of being a governor in this league, this is the biggest legislation that we’ve put through, the biggest motion we have ever put through,” he said. “Our lifeline is the NCAA and we want to make sure we comply with the rules in the NCAA.”
“We’re putting the emphasis back on development and providing unique experience for players across Canada playing junior hockey,” Bartoshyk added.
With files from Dean Millard, Global Sports.
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