SJHL TO ALLOW WHL PLAYERS

Multiple sources have confirmed the SJHL will allow WHL players to play in the league until Dec. 20.

WHLers Kade Nolan (Portland Winterhawks) and Drew Englot (Regina Pats) have been skating with the Notre Dame Hounds while the Yorkton Terriers have reportedly added five WHL players including Saskatoon Blades goaltender Nolan Maier. 

The SJHL preseason opened Thursday evening with the Flin Flon Bombers downing the La Ronge Ice Wolves 3-2 in overtime at the Whitney Forum. The Western Hockey League regular season is scheduled to begin January 8.

The decision has been a controversial one among junior hockey followers with some saying it’s unfair to players who’ve been skating with SJHL teams for a month. The MJHL welcomed a handful of WHL players when their league began play weeks ago. The AJHL has reportedly made spots open for WHL players as well. The BCHL’s Wenatchee Wild is scrimmaging in Idaho with a handful of WHL players on the ice.

I spent Thursday afternoon with Moose Jaw Warriors GM Alan Millar and he said the decision came down on Wednesday. Warriors defenceman Daemon Hunt is in talks with the Virden Oil Capitals about joining their club.

When I asked Millar who this decision benefits the most, he answered “the players”.

RP
@rodpedersen