NOJHL Annual Meeting

Story by Blake McChristie

North Bay Skyhawks General Manager Guy Blanchard will be on Manitoulin Island this weekend at the annual Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League meeting.

On the agenda is the schedule for the 2008-09 NOJHL hockey season, as well as the potential addition of two new teams and rule changes.

One of the more exciting topics is the addition of two teams, the return of the Sault Michigan team and the possible addition of the Temiscaming Royals.

"I see more reasons for it, than against it," Blanchard noted when asked about the potential of the Greater Metro Junior Hockey League team jumping to the NOJHL.

He added that it is subject to the Ontario Hockey Federation’s approval which he expects the Royals will get.

A topic that comes up every year in the annual meeting is the "two-fight rule".

"This comes up almost every year and every year it is rejected," said Blanchard.

The Skyhawks G.M. does not support the "two-fight rule" because there are only so many players a team can dress, and he does not want to make room for brawlers.

Mandatary neck guards will also be on the agenda this year, as well as a revised playoff schedule, to accommodate an 8-team league.

The North Bay Skyhawks 2008-09 season tickets are now available at the Memorial Gardens box office.