HTJHL celebrates expansion at first showcase event

The Niverville Resource and Rec Centre was buzzing with activity, as the Hanover-Tache Junior Hockey League (HTJHL) hosted their first-ever showcase event Oct. 20. Nearly 900 fans filed into the building to watch more than 12 hours of junior C hockey, as all 10 teams were in action.

The day began at 10 a.m. and ended after 10 p.m.

League commissioner Pat Guenette was happy with the showcase, noting it was the first time the league, which began play in the early 80s, had hosted such an event.

Three new teams joined the league’s ranks this year, with Ste Anne, Grunthal and Mitchell re-joining the ranks. The Lorette Comets took a year off this season, meaning the league has an even 10 teams, choosing to divide into divisions for the first time in a long time.

“The sky is the limit,” Guenette said on the potential of the HTJHL, hinting the league could expand again in the near future.

“I know we have an executive that is really proud of the league and where it is right now… There’s a lot of different things that we’re trying out, doesn’t mean we’re going to keep it. We’re experimenting, we’re trying different things and we’re doing it with our clubs’ support.”

Demand from more markets to join the league was high this off-season.

“I think it’s word of mouth,” Guenette said when asked what has been driving the HTJHL’s growth.

“We’re pushing. We want to be able to compete with the junior B and the (Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League), and I think we’re doing a really good job.”

The expansion Mitchell Mustangs are a good example of the kind of player quality the league is attracting. Chase Bueckert, Cooper Penner, Lucas Jolicoeur, Colton Wiebe and Mark Plett all suited up for the Pembina Valley Twisters in the MMJHL last season, but are plying for the Mustangs this year.

Jeremiah Warkentine even suited up for the Niverville Nighthawks for a game.

The HTJHL is full of local players playing in front of local fans throughout the season. Part of the drive for expansion came from the players themselves, who wanted a place to play competitive hockey with some of their friends for their hometowns, even after their high school careers ended.

In action throughout the day Ste Anne beat Landmark 4-2, Macdonald squeaked by East St Paul 5-4, Mitchell easily handled Grunthal 6-1, the hometown Niverville team soundly defeated Red River 7-1 and a re-match of the 2024 finals ended the night, with Springfield beating Steinbach 2-0.

“An event like this is not possible without our volunteers,” Guenette said, thanking the Niverville Clippers for hosting.

“They’ve done a great job putting this together and maintaining the structure which we needed it to be today.”

Luke Toews, who sits on the league’s board and manages the Clippers, was key in organizing the event. He was a blur of activity throughout the day, happiest when Macdonald scored late to ensure their game against East St Paul didn’t go to overtime and throw the schedule out of wack.

Organizers didn’t leave the rec centre until nearly midnight.

The league has been planning the showcase since last fall, and the success of the event has other teams from around the league requesting to host future editions.

“It’s an opportunity for our league to get some exposure,” Guenette said.

“Hopefully we can build upon this today and do it again in the future.”