The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League is planning on opening a 2021-22 season on September 24.

And, while they don’t yet have approval to do so from the provincial government and Saskatchewan Health Authority, the S-J-H-L does have the hope and well wishes of the former to get there!

Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison is quoted in a league release Tuesday as saying, “Hockey has always been a key part of our culture and economy in Saskatchewan communities and we look forward to working with the league to see the players back on the ice.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the S-J-H-L’s 2020-21 season didn’t start until November 6 and ended November 23 when case and hospitalization numbers spiked upwards.

Another thing needed now for the 2021-22 season is a schedule with the league’s Board of Governors, plus the G-Ms and coaches of the 12 teams slated to get together soon to do just that. Following is the news release from the S-J-H-L, including a list of important dates for the 2021-22 season…..

News Release

For Immediate Release

Press Release

The Saskatchewan Jr Hockey League and the teams of the SJHL have waited an extended period to have a normal hockey season.

The SJHL and the Saskatchewan Government thank the efforts of Saskatchewan people to follow the rules of the provincial health order and to get vaccinated. We are moving forward in our roadmap to get back to normal, which includes SJHL hockey starting this fall.

Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Hockey has always been a key part of our culture and economy in Saskatchewan communities and we look forward to working with the league to see the players back on the ice.”

The Board of Governors and the GM/Coaches of the SJHL teams will be meeting soon to set the schedule for the upcoming season with a start date of September 24^th.

Other important dates for the SJHL 21-22 season are:

Sept 24^th Start date of regular season

Oct 4,5,6  SJHL Showcase in Warman

Dec 19^th start of Christmas break

Dec 27^th return from Christmas

Jan 25^th and 26^th SJHL/MJHL Showcase in Winnipeg.

March 4^th Regular season ends

March 11th 1st round of playoffs start

March 25^th 2^nd round starts

April 8^th Saskatchewan Jr Hockey League finals

April 29^th Anavet Cup starts

May 20^th Centennial Cup starts in Estevan