2013-2014 CJHL President's Message

Press Release

The Canadian Junior Hockey League continues to play a significant role in the development of elite-level players and student-athletes across Canada and the US. That significance is clearly reflected by the number of former CJHL players competing and excelling at the next level.

The 2012-2013 season saw more than 2,800 former CJHL players competing in professional, major junior and university hockey in North America. Of those 2,800 alumni, 577 competed professionally in the National Hockey League, American Hockey League, ECHL and Central Hockey League, with 129 CJHL alumni on the 2013 NHL opening-day rosters. At the major junior level, the 2012-2013 season saw 300 CJHL alumni playing in the Canadian Hockey League.

In addition to professional and major junior hockey, CJHL alumni continue to have a considerable impact at the university and college hockey level in Canada and the US. During the 2012-2013 season, the percentage of CJHL alumni making up Canadian and US university and college hockey rosters was astounding:

• 61% (780) of Canadian university/college hockey players were former CJHL players
• 37% (567) of NCAA Division I players were CJHL alumni
• 27% (594) of NCAA Division III players were alumni of the CJHL

The number of former CJHL players succeeding at the next level – whether it's professional, major junior or university and college – clearly shows that the Canadian Junior A model is working for our student-athletes and their families!

Although our record for advancing players to the next level is impressive, we will not rest easy. The 2013-2014 season will once again see our leagues, teams and coaches continue to enhance the development and exposure of our student-athletes so that all of our players have the best opportunity to further their hockey and academic careers at the next level!

Sincerely,

Kirk Lamb
Chairman and President
Canadian Junior Hockey League


 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)