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Heading into his second year as Zone 4 High School Hockey League Commissioner, Seth Cory says there's a lot to be excited about, and he can't wait to get the season under way.
Year 2
Cory says that heading into year two as Commissioner is quite a bit different from this time last year, as he was set to head into his first season. "Feeling more confident, as far as knowing what the role is, and what my expectations are," he explains. "Year one was a lot of learning, and trusting the people around me to be helpful. The league was great and patient with me as I was learning the role, but this year, I feel like I have a better handle on it, for sure."
Learning lessons
Last year, Cory says he learned a lot. "I think understanding, obviously I played hockey for a long time, been around the game, but learning all the ins and outs of all the rules when it comes to suspensions, recording penalty minutes, keeping track of all those things, that was the biggest hurdle for me. Keeping up with Hockey Manitoba guidelines, Hockey Canada guidelines, then of course, our own Zone 4 guidelines that we have. The people around me, they were really amazing."
League wide relationships
Having been around the area and the game for a while, Cory says growing those relationships has been special. "I've been a part of the Zone 4 league for six years now, my role before was a lot different, I was coach of the Morris Mavericks, so knowing most of the people, it's been great. My relationships have changed with them, because now I'm Commissioner, but I think a big thing was showing them that I've got the whole leagues best interest in mind. I'm going to be as fair as I can be, I'll follow the rules, and there's no bending one way for one team, it's all about being consistent."
Exciting times ahead
2025-26 season is already buzzing, and Cory can't wait to get things going. "I think our league across the board is very competitive. There will be the odd game where it's a blowout, I mean, these are high school boys after all, you'll get good days and bad days with them. It's a competitive league, but the kids really respect each other, and get along. You don't see too much nasty stuff behind the scenes or during the game, that's exciting to me. We have the Morden Thunder going for the fourth championship in a row, which is exciting for them, exciting for teams to challenge them, and try and take them down. It's going to be a great year of hockey."
Student athletes
Cory says a big part of the Zone 4 league is the fact these players are student athletes, and that education aspect is very important. "Very important to all the coaches, all the programs, that students are not just talented on the ice, but are talented in the classroom. From being involved in Morris for years, that was something we preached, that student comes first. Kids have to be dedicated in the classroom if they want to be dedicated on the ice. Again, I think that teaches them responsability, which helps when they get out of high school and move into the real world. Our goal is to always see kids, whether it's go on to play hockey or not, just go to that next educational level and be the best they can be."