Central Canada Hockey League
Region(s) | Eastern Ontario |
---|---|
Commissioner | Sean Marcellus |
Former name(s) | list
|
Founded | 1961[1] |
No. of teams | 12 |
Associated Title(s) | Trophy list
|
Recent Champions | Ottawa Jr. Senators (9th) (2022) |
Most successful club | Pembroke Lumber Kings (14) |
Headquarters | Richcraft Sensplex 813 Shefford Rd. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
Website | CCHL |
The Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) is a
History
The league started in 1961 as the Ottawa-Hull District Junior Hockey League, under the sponsorship of the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL), in hope of a better development program.[1] The league has featured such NHL stars as Steve Yzerman and Larry Robinson, for which its two divisions are named. As this league was for the Ottawa District, teams out of the area were not allowed to compete, with one exemption: Pembroke. In the early years, any player in the league was automatically a member of the Montreal Canadiens, and were forced into a contract which would disallow them to sign with any other NHL team if they wanted to play in the NHL. The Canadiens also wanted the league to be strictly for development, allowing four 19-year-olds and five 18-year-olds per team with the rest of the players being 17 or younger. This was met with much anger and disappointment with players who had just reached their 20s, but the league substantially gained in popularity and did not step back from the changes.[1] In 1963, the Montreal Canadiens allowed the Chicago Blackhawks-sponsored Brockville Braves into the league. The league rebranded itself as the Central Junior A Hockey League (CJHL) starting with the 1964–65 season.
In February 1966, players from the Hawkesbury Braves went on strike over coaching issues. The Braves brought in replacement players from midget and Jr. B leagues for a game against the CJHL's perennial champions, the
In 1976,
After the ruling that allowed 20-year-olds to play in the league, teams began attempting to "buy" championship teams by going after former Major Junior players. The effect of this resulted in the labeling of the league as a "goon league" or "
The league began flourishing, and by the early 1990s, had more than doubled. Teams that had folded during the "dark days" of the late 1970s and early 1980s came back. The league even allowed for the expansion of their first American hockey team, the Massena Americans. Also, now a member of the OHL, the Cornwall Royals moved from Cornwall. In response, the CJHL allowed the Messena Americans to move to Cornwall, hoping the Cornwall Colts could help the city fill its competitive hockey "void".[1]
The
In 2004–05, the Central Junior Hockey League saw higher attendance figures in all arenas with the NHL lockout. All teams in the CJHL had doubled their attendance.
In April 2007, it was announced that the
The Cornwall Colts became the 4th team in CJHL history to play host to a Centennial/Royal Bank Cup tournament in 2008. The Colts managed to qualify for the semi-finals, but were ousted 7–1 by the Humboldt Broncos.
In 2009, the Carleton Place Canadians, another former EOJBHL team, was announced as the league's 12th franchise. They began play during the 2009–10 season. At the beginning of the 2009–10 season, the league dropped the "A" from their name, switching to the Central Junior Hockey League.
In February 2010, it was announced that the Smiths Falls Memorial Centre – one of the league's oldest facilities and home to the Smiths Falls Bears was staging its final home game of the 2009–10 season. The Bears will be moving into a brand-new multipurpose facility for that fall. The Memorial Centre was demolished to accommodate parking spaces for the new facility.
In April 2010, the Pembroke Lumber Kings made CJHL history by winning four-consecutive Art Bogart Cup championships, which is now the most-consecutive championships won by a CJHL team, however the Pembroke Lumber Kings qualified for the Fred Page Cup for the fifth consecutive year, but lost the finals to the Brockville Braves, who advanced to the Royal Bank Cup in Dauphin, Manitoba. The 2012 Fred Page Cup was awarded to the Kanata Stallions to commemorate their 25 years of Jr. A hockey in Kanata.
On April 26, 2010, the league rebranded by changing their league to the Central Hockey League, from the Central Junior Hockey League. A league, by the same name "Central Hockey League" already existed, a minor professional league below the ECHL, which was 15 teams throughout the mid-western United States. In January 2011, the league rebranded itself again the Central Canada Hockey League.
On May 8, 2011, at the
Prior to the 2014–15 season, the CCHL announced it was adapting the American Hockey League's overtime format.
- Following tied games, teams will remain at the 3rd period ends and 7:00 minutes will be placed on the clock after a 30-second break. Each team will receive 1 point.
- The first 3 minutes of over time will be played 4 on 4. At the first whistle after 3 minutes (i.e. if the clock reads 4:00 or less) the teams will play 3 on 3. The same penalty regulations apply. The games are again sudden victory with the first team to score collects an additional point.
- In the event the game remains tied after the conclusion of seven minutes of overtime, a 30-second break during which the team coaches will provide a list of 3 shooters will precede a shoot out. Home teams shall determine if they shoot first or second. If the score after 3 rounds of shooters remains tied, there will be a continued sudden death single round shoot out until a winner is declared.
- No shooter may shoot twice until all eligible shooters have shot once.
- Players in the penalty box at the conclusion of overtime shall not be eligible to participate in the shoot out.
In the 2013–14 season, 69 CCHL regular season games were tied after regulation. The outcome of 30 games was determined in the over time session and 39 games required a shoot out.
For the 2015–16 the CCHL made a significant move to the development model for the league. The
In fall 2016, the Gloucester Rangers were sold to new ownership, who will relocate the team to Rockland, Ontario for the 2017–18 season and become the Rockland Nationals. The current Rockland Nationals, who currently play in the National Capital Junior Hockey League are expected to relocate to a nearby community to accommodate junior A hockey in the community for the first time since 1977. The Rockland Nationals expect to develop and renew their geographical rivalry with the Hawkesbury Hawks, and also develop a rivalry with the Cumberland Grads.
David Frost incident
Teams
Robinson Division | ||||||||||
Team | Centre | Joined | EOJHL Affiliate
| |||||||
Brockville Braves | Brockville | 1963 | Brockville Tikis | |||||||
Carleton Place Canadians | Carleton Place |
2009 | Carleton Place Jr. Canadians | |||||||
Kemptville 73's | Kemptville | 2007 | ||||||||
Pembroke Lumber Kings | Pembroke | 1980 | Whitewater Kings
| |||||||
Renfrew Wolves | Renfrew | 1987 | Ottawa Canadians | |||||||
Smiths Falls Bears | Smiths Falls | 1963 | Westport Rideaus
| |||||||
Yzerman Division | ||||||||||
Team | Centre | Joined | EOJHL Affiliate
| |||||||
Cornwall Colts | Cornwall | 1988 | ||||||||
Hawkesbury Hawks | Hawkesbury | 1976 | ||||||||
Navan Grads | Navan | 1991 | Clarence Beavers | |||||||
Nepean Raiders | Nepean | 1972 | Ottawa West Golden Knights / Winchester Hawks | |||||||
Ottawa Jr. Senators | Ottawa | 1979 | Ottawa Canadians | |||||||
Rockland Nationals | Rockland | 1968 |
Regular season champions
Season | Champion | W–L–T–OTL | Pts | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Memorial Cup Era | ||||||||||
Centennial Cup Era | ||||||||||
1970-71 | Smiths Falls Bears | 31-12-5-0 | 67 | |||||||
1971-72 | Smiths Falls Bears | 29-17-2-0 | 60 | |||||||
1972-73 | Pembroke Lumber Kings | 47-4-4-0 | 98 | |||||||
1973-74 | Smiths Falls Bears | 30-17-3-0 | 63 | |||||||
1974-75 | Pembroke Lumber Kings | 28-13-9-0 | 65 | |||||||
1975-76 | Rockland Nationals | 31-11-8-0 | 70 | |||||||
1976-77 | Nepean Raiders | 28-13-9-0 | 65 | |||||||
1977-78 | Pembroke Lumber Kings | 31-13-4-0 | 66 | |||||||
1978-79 | Nepean Raiders | 36-10-2-0 | 74 | |||||||
1979-80 | Hawkesbury Hawks | 39-8-3-0 | 81 | |||||||
1980-81 | Nepean Raiders | 29-13-8-0 | 66 | |||||||
1981-82 | Ottawa Senators | 33-14-2-0 | 68 | |||||||
1982-83 | Ottawa Senators | 30-11-7-0 | 67 | |||||||
1983-84 | Nepean Raiders | 28-17-9-0 | 65 | |||||||
1984-85 | Pembroke Lumber Kings | 38-13-1-2 | 79 | |||||||
1985-86 | Brockville Braves | 41-17-2-0 | 84 | |||||||
1986-87 | Pembroke Lumber Kings | 39-14-1-0 | 83 | |||||||
1987-88 | Ottawa Senators | 44-12-0-0 | 88 | |||||||
1988-89 | Pembroke Lumber Kings | 39-16-1-0 | 79 | |||||||
1989-90 | Hawkesbury Hawks | 40-14-1-1 | 82 | |||||||
1990-91 | Hawkesbury Hawks | 42-10-4-3 | 88 | |||||||
1991-92 | Ottawa Senators | 48-9-0-0 | 96 | |||||||
1992-93 | Ottawa Jr. Senators | 41-8-4-4 | 90 | |||||||
1993-94 | Gloucester Rangers |
37-16-2-2 | 78 | |||||||
1994-95 | Cornwall Colts | 37-12-3-2 | 79 | |||||||
1995-96 | Cornwall Colts | 45-6-3-0 | 93 | |||||||
1996-97 | Kanata Valley Lasers |
42-9-4-0 | 87 | |||||||
1997-98 | Brockville Braves | 36-8-9-3 | 84 | |||||||
1998-99 | Hawkesbury Hawks | 40-11-3-0 | 83 | |||||||
1999-00 | Cornwall Colts | 45-10-1-0 | 91 | |||||||
2000-01 | Cornwall Colts | 42-10-3-0 | 87 | |||||||
2001-02 | Cornwall Colts | 46-7-2-0 | 94 | |||||||
2002-03 | Cumberland Grads |
36-13-5-1 | 78 | |||||||
2003-04 | Nepean Raiders | 37-14-3-1 | 78 | |||||||
2004-05 | Nepean Raiders | 42-9-3-3 | 90 | |||||||
2005-06 | Pembroke Lumber Kings | 50-7-1-1 | 102 | |||||||
2006-07 | Pembroke Lumber Kings | 41-10-2-2 | 86 | |||||||
2007-08 | Pembroke Lumber Kings | 46-11-2-1 | 95 | |||||||
2008-09 | Nepean Raiders | 42-12-0-6 | 90 | |||||||
2009-10 | Brockville Braves | 52-8-0-2 | 106 | |||||||
2010-11 | Pembroke Lumber Kings | 51-9-0-0 | 104 | |||||||
2011-12 | Nepean Raiders | 46-11-0-5 | 97 | |||||||
2012-13 | Ottawa Jr. Senators | 40-16-0-6 | 86 | |||||||
2013-14 | Carleton Place Canadians | 54-6-0-2 | 110 | |||||||
2014-15 | Carleton Place Canadians | 49-10-2-1 | 101 | |||||||
2015-16 | Carleton Place Canadians | 43-16-2-1 | 89 | |||||||
2016-17 | Carleton Place Canadians | 43-16-2-1 | 100 | |||||||
2017-18 | Carleton Place Canadians | 53-5-1-3 | 110 | |||||||
2018-19 | Carleton Place Canadians | 44-11-3-4 | 95 | |||||||
2019-20 | Carleton Place Canadians | 49-7-4-2 | 104 | |||||||
2020-21 | Season cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic | |||||||||
2021-22 | Ottawa Jr. Senators | 43-8-2-2 | 90 | |||||||
2022-23 | Ottawa Jr. Senators | 42-8-3-2 | 89 |
Art Bogart Cup Champions
Note: League champion is bolded
Regional championships
|
Centennial Cup/Royal Bank Cup championships
|
Former member teams
- Arnprior Packers – left to join Ottawa Valley Junior Hockey League after the 1966–67 season
- Arnprior Legion
- Arnprior Rams
- Brockville Ramblers
- Buckingham Beavers
- Cornwall Royals – left to join the new Quebec Major Junior Hockey League after the 1968–69 season
- Eastview Astros – folded after 1968–69 season
- Eastview Primrose
- Gatineau Actionaires
- Hawkesbury Royals
- Gloucester Rangers- Franchise known as Orleans Blues from 2005 to 2008, and Gloucester Rangers from 1973 to 2005 and 2008-2017
- Hull Castors
- Hull Éperviers
- Hull-Volant
- Hull Festivals – left to join Quebec Major Junior Hockey League after 1972–73 season
- Kanata Lasers - relocated to Renfrew after the 2019-20 season
- Ottawa Capitals
- Ottawa Metros
- Ottawa Montagnards
- Pembroke C and A's
- Pembroke Ironmen
- Pembroke Royals – played during the 1979–80 season, while the Pembroke Lumber Kings were suspended
- Rockland Nationals – folded after 1976–77 season
- Thurso Lions
Notable alumni
Notable players who have played or are playing in the NHL:
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League records
- Best record: 2013-14 Carleton Place Canadians (54–6–0-2)
- Worst record: 1987–88 Smiths Falls Bears (4–52–0)
- Most Wins in a Season: 2013–14 Carleton Place Canadians (54)
- Most Points in a Season: Carleton Place Canadians (110) - 2013-14 & 2017-18
- Most Consecutive Wins: 2009–10 Brockville Braves (26)
- Largest margin of victory: Cornwall Royals 43 – Hawkesbury Braves 0 in February 1966
- Most goals, one season: Luc Chabot (101) – 1985–86 Pembroke Lumber Kings
- Most assists, one season: Peter White (136) – 1987–88 Pembroke Lumber Kings
- Most points, one season: Peter White (226) – 1987–88 Pembroke Lumber Kings
- Most penalty minutes, one season: Frank Manson (416) – 1992–93 Ottawa Senators
- Most goals, career: Luc Chabot (255) – Pembroke Lumber Kings
- Most assists, career: George Dupont (332) – Nepean Raiders/Pembroke Lumber Kings
- Most points, career: Luc Chabot (490) – Pembroke Lumber Kings
- Most penalty minutes, career: Travis Albers (942) – Nepean/Cornwall/Kanata/Brockville
- Most minutes played, one season: Francis Marotte (3220.16) – 2015-16 Nepean Raiders
- Most wins, one season: Pete Karvouniaris (40) – 2010-11 Cornwall Colts
- Lowest goals against average, one season: Devon Levi (1.47) – 2019-20 Carleton Place Canadians
- Highest percentage, one season: Devon Levi (0.941) – 2019-20 Carleton Place Canadians
- Most shutouts, one season: Henry Johnson (9) – 2015-16 Brockville Braves
- Most minutes played, career: Mark Byrne (11,143) – Nepean Raiders
- Most wins, career: Grant Robb (87) – Pembroke Lumber Kings
Timeline of teams in the CJHL
- 1963 – Brockville Braves join league and are sponsored by the Chicago Blackhawks
- 1968 – Eastview Astros join league and fold after one season
- 1972 – Hull Hawks and Cornwall Royals leave league to join Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
- 1972 – Nepean Raiders join league
- 1973 – Ottawa M.&W. Rangers become Gloucester Rangers
- 1974 – Hawkesbury Hawks join league
- 1976 – Smiths Falls Bears leave league
- 1977 – Rockland Nationals leave league
- 1979 – Pembroke Lumber Kings are expelled from the league for failing to remain in good standing.
- 1979 – Pembroke Royals play their first and only season in 1979–80
- 1980 – Pembroke Lumber Kings reapply for a franchise and are accepted into the league.
- 1987 – Kanata Valley Lasers join league
- 1987 – Smiths Falls Bears rejoin league
- 1988 – Massena Turbines join league
- 1990 – Massena Turbines become Massena Americans
- 1991 – Cumberland Grads join league from Eastern Ontario Junior B Hockey League
- 1992 – Massena Americans relocated to Cornwall to become the Cornwall Colts to fill in the void for the Cornwall Royals, who moved to Newmarket
- 1992 – Ottawa Senators become Ottawa Jr. Senators because of the NHL expansion team Ottawa Senators
- 2000 – Smiths Falls Bears relocate to Perth, Ontario and become the Lanark Thunder
- 2002 – Kanata Valley Lasers become Kanata Stallions
- 2002 – Lanark Thunder suspends operations and team is returned to Smiths Falls as the Smiths Falls Bears
- 2005 – Gloucester Rangersbecome the Orleans Blues
- 2007 – Kemptville 73's join league from Eastern Ontario Junior B Hockey League
- 2008 – Orleans Bluesbecome Gloucester Rangers after league refuses permit to move team to Orleans
- 2009 – Carleton Place Jr. A Canadians join league from Eastern Ontario Junior B Hockey League
- 2014 – Kanata Stallions become Kanata Lasers mid-season
- 2017 - Gloucester Rangers relocate to Rockland and become Rockland Nationals
- 2021 - Kanata Lasers relocate to Renfrew and become the Renfrew Wolves
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "League History". Central Junior Hockey League.
- ^ The CHL no longer competes in the Central Zone of the Canadian Junior Hockey League. They now compete for the Fred Page Cup in the Eastern Zone.
- ^ The George Richardson Memorial Trophy was the Eastern Junior A championship for what became Major Junior. The league competed for it from 1961 until 1970.
- ^ The Memorial Cup is the Canadian Junior A championship for what became Major Junior. The league competed for it from 1961 until 1970.
- ^ a b "2008 Fred Page Cup - Pictou County Nova Scotia". Archived from the original on 2008-06-12. Retrieved 2008-09-23.
- ^ http://www.hometeamsonline.com/hockeyteam/default.asp?username=EOJCHL [dead link]
- ^ Andrew Kulyk & Peter Farrell (2006-01-19). "The Bizarre World of Mike Danton". artvoice. Archived from the original on 2011-09-06. Retrieved 2014-07-16.
- ^ TSN,ca Staff (2004-11-16). "Ottawa area CJHL bans Frost indefinitely". TSN. Retrieved 2014-07-16.
- ^ Hugh Adami (2005-12-05). "CJHL walks Frosty tightrope". Canada.com. Archived from the original on 2016-01-16. Retrieved 2014-07-16.
- ^ "Junior league announces ban after incident with ref". HockeyRefs.com. Retrieved 2014-07-16.
- ^ "Central Junior A Hockey League". Archived from the original on 2011-07-15.