One of the most storied franchises in the SJHL, and all of Junior A hockey, could be on the move.
The SJHL announced the Notre Dame Hounds franchise has been given conditional approval for relocation to Warman after the Athol Murray College of Notre Dame’s Board of Directors made the decision to discontinue Junior A hockey. A final decision will be made at the league’s annual general meeting in June.
“It is bittersweet having a historical program like the Notre Dame Junior A Hounds leave the SJHL,” said SJHL Commissioner Kyle McIntyre in a written statement posted to the SJHL website. “We understand that there is a new and exciting vision for Notre Dame. We appreciate the Board’s focus on player well-being and experience and are excited about the possibility of adding a strong and progressive new leadership group to our league in Saskatchewan’s fastest-growing city.”
“Our goal is to partner with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League to offer players an excellent experience and opportunity to showcase their talents, within a community deeply invested in their success while instilling valuable life skills beyond hockey,” said Warman Co-Founders Cole Kachur and Jonathan Abrametz in the same release.
The move to Warman is conditional on approval by Warman City Council, and a successful season ticket and corporate sponsorship drive in that community. If the relocation is approved, all listed players for the Hounds, and all active players eligible to return next season, will be transferred to the new Warman franchise.
The Notre Dame Hounds first started play in the SJHL in 1970 and were in the league until 1976. They would leave the league that year and return in 1987, where they went on to win the SJHL title and the National Championship. Alumni who have played for the Hounds over the years include Rod Brind’Amour, Wendel Clark, Curtis Joseph, and Jaden Schwartz, among many others.
The Hounds are currently in last place in the SJHL this season, with a record of 11-31-2-2.