The new Junior ‘A’ hockey team that was announced to be coming to Rosetown earlier this summer, states they are continuing to move forward as they put the final pieces of the puzzle together.

The team, which has been favorably named The Redwings, is a departure from the hockey leagues that have populated the west central region for the past number of years and has subsequently raised a number of questions. Some questions have pointed to the validity of the league and others are simply curious as to the how’s and why’s of the different league model.

The new Junior ‘A’ Redwings will be one of four teams that make up the GMHL West league, which is a part of the GMHL (Greater Metro Hockey League), a league that has been operating, primarily in eastern Canada for over a decade.

Derek Prue, GMHL West expansion director, said admittedly, they have had some hiccups and are under a tight timeline as the beginning of the league is set for October 4 but there is no cause for concern as of yet.

Initially, the team announced that Kevin MacClelland would be filling the position as general manager and head coach for the team, however, this has changed as of this week.

While Prue stated it was a mutual decision, MacClelland has stepped back from the dual position, but will be staying on as an advisor and consultant to the team.

“Kevin just wasn’t able to take on the full role of GM and head coach, but will be staying apart of the team and will be using his contacts to help get guys to the next level. To be able to do both positions is a big commitment and it requires a certain skill set and Kevin was more suited to the skill development side of things,” said Prue.

In MacClelland place, the Junior ‘A’ Redwings have recruited Alan Jacob, who will be making the move from France to fill the position as head coach and general manager.

Prue stated that it is a unique opportunity to have Jacob join the hockey club as he has 20 years of experience in these roles, with the majority of them at a professional level overseas.

“He will bring something different to the table for these players. It’ll open up the doors for players and at this level, skill development is extremely important and they do things a little bit different over in Europe so players have the opportunity to learn a lot of new things.”

The hockey club is an academy based program, which differs from the other Junior ‘A’ leagues in the region, to which Prue said, “there is a learning curve when you bring a different kind of league to town, but we don’t really pay attention to some of the negative comments that have been thrown around and we are doing our thing and I’m confident that when we start playing and people see how it is, they will be in the stands cheering for the team.”

From Prue’s perspective, there are some distinct differences and advantages for players that play in the academy.

“When players are paying and are making a financial commitment to the team, there is an expectation of being provided a certain level of development and opportunity and we aim to provide that, bringing in Alan Jacob from Europe is a good example of that.”

Additionally, he said they are in alignment with collegiate and pro-level schedules, where the team will practice Monday through Thursday each week and play games strictly on weekends. Prue said structuring their schedules in the same way as the higher levels does make a difference and allows for maximized time on the ice.

Furthermore, he spoke to the belief that the GMHL also provides their athletes with a broader range of opportunities that extend past division-one schools.

“Sometimes players aren’t good enough to make division-one schools but there is still plenty of opportunity that they can take advantage of, at even the division-three level and we look to provide that for our players.” Prue continued by saying, “sometimes the division three schools are a better academic option for the player, such as New York University.”

From the outside looking in, the new-to-town league may appear to have a lot of moving parts with some unanswered questions, however, Prue assures they are right on track and are looking forward to presenting the team to the community.

Some of the questions surrounded the permanency of the team in Rosetown, Prue stated he has heard rumors that they intend to move the team after it becomes successful in Rosetown, something he says could not be farther from the truth and doesn’t make sense solely on a business standpoint.

Also, reportedly there has been chatter regarding if players, and referees, can participate in other leagues, sanctioned or not, once they have played with the GMHL West League.

Prue said from their standpoint, players and referees can absolutely participate in any capacity in any league and stated that those leagues sanctioned through Hockey Canada are not turning down players who have played in non-sanctioned leagues, such as the GMHL West.

However, following the interview with Prue, and inquiry to the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), revealed that may not be the case.

In the memorandum from July 27, 2019, it states

“Players: Any player who participates with a non-sanctioned program after September 30th of the current year and wishes to return to SHA sanctioned programming, must apply for a concession from the SHA Registration Committee for re-instatement. return within the season. The Registration Committee will decide what level of hockey that player can participate in.

Team Officials/Team or League Administrators/Officials (Referees or Linesman): Any individual functioning in the capacity of a Team Officials/Team or League Administrators/Officials (Referees or Linesman) within a Non-Sanctioned entity as determined by the SHA will be indefinitely barred as a member of the SHA.”

If players or officials are entertaining the idea of participating in both leagues, it would then be recommended to ensure the regulations and potential consequences beforehand.

Prue is unwavering in his support and confidence in the league and what it can provide not only for the players, but for the community as well.

“There are not a lot of academy based hockey programs in Saskatchewan, so I get it, but this isn’t new for us and we have a very solid and successful business model and we are used to the skepticism. Without fail though, when that first puck drops, people get into it and see what we are about.”

The beginning of the season is set for the October 4th and 5th weekend, where the Redwings will be on the road for the first two games of the season while they wait for the ice to be put in at the Rosetown rink.

Their first game of the season will be against the Cold Lake Wings on October 4, followed by a match up with the Enoch Tomahawks on October 5.