NHL renews deal with CJHL for WJAC where Ferner will coach in 2011

Press Release

Hockey Canada and the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) have announced a two-year extension of their partnership with the National Hockey League, while also unveiling the Team Canada coaches for the 2011 World Junior A Challenge, as well as a new format for the World Junior A Challenge and CJHL Prospects Event.

Mark Ferner of the Vernon Vipers will head up Team Canada West at the event which will be held in November and will include, for the first time, the CJHL Prospects Event. The host city is yet to be announced.

The National Hockey League, Hockey Canada and the Canadian Junior Hockey League have renewed a key partnership agreement, which was originally formed in May 2009. The two-year agreement,with a mutual option for two additional years, will invest in the development of players, coaches and officials involved with Junior A hockey across the country.

“The CJHL plays a vital role in developing players and providing national platforms to showcase their great on-ice product,” said NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly. "We are pleased to continue a great relationship with the CJHL and member clubs to enhance their prospect events and championship."

The newly combined event will be a unique opportunity for CJHL stars to showcase their talent on an international stage and simultaneously provide CJHL prospects an unprecedented audience of scouts from across North America.

“The profile of Junior A hockey across Canada has grown considerably in recent years thanks in large part to the relationship between Hockey Canada, the Canadian Junior Hockey League and the National Hockey League,” said Bob Nicholson, president and CEO of Hockey Canada. “We are thrilled this partnership will continue and Junior A players and marquee events will continue to be showcased at the highest levels.”

Ferner is in his fourth season as head coach and general manager of the Vipers. Under Ferner, the Vipers have won back-to-back-to-back league championships, and are currently trying to win an unprecedented third consecutive National Junior A Championship at the 2011 RBC Cup. Ferner had a 16-year playing career that included stops in the NHL, AHL, WCHL, IHL and Europe, and has previous coaching experience in the WHL and WCHL.

Whitby Fury head coach Curtis Hodgins will take over as head coach of Canada East after serving as an assistant coach in 2010.


(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)