The Hanover Tache Junior Hockey League (HTJHL) is gearing up for an exciting new season, following a successful showcase event held on Sunday in Niverville. The event, hosted at the Community Resource and Recreation Centre (CRRC), featured teams and players showcasing their skills.
Pat Guenette, the commissioner of the HTJHL, expressed his gratitude for the hard work put in by the Niverville Clippers and their volunteers.
"Honestly, I think it's been a lot of work for the hosting team. Niverville, Luke and his team and his group of volunteers have put in a lot of hours and time getting this put together," Guenette said. He added that this showcase is a significant milestone for the league, marking the first event of its kind.
Luke Toews, Vice-President of the HTJHL and General Manager of the Niverville Clippers, echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of the event for the community.
"We're very fortunate in town here to have a facility such as this. We have a lot of support from the community for volunteers and everything else."
As the season approaches, the league is adjusting to changes in its team lineup. Guenette acknowledged the loss of the Lorette team but highlighted the return of teams like Ste. Anne, Grunthal, and Mitchell, bringing the league back to a 10-team format.
"It's important for us to move to a divisional play... and hopefully help with scheduling," he explained. This flexibility aims to minimize game postponements during the challenging Manitoba winters.
Toews shared his excitement about the local impact of junior hockey in communities like Grunthal and Ste. Anne, stating, "There's been lots of young people coming to our games... I think it's great for them to have the option now to come out and support local junior hockey."
Looking ahead, Guenette expressed hopes for further growth in the league, emphasizing a focus on local players. "The strength of our league, I think, is based on local players... We have room to grow, but we want to maintain a competitive balance," he said.
With the Niverville Clippers and the Nighthawks both part of the community, Toews is optimistic about the future. "I think the sky’s the limit," he remarked. The strong support from fans and volunteers sets a positive tone for the upcoming season, ensuring that the Hanover Tache Junior Hockey League continues to thrive.
As the teams prepare for the start of the season, excitement is building among players and fans alike, promising an engaging year of junior hockey ahead.
-With files from Dave Anthony.