Friday, March 25, 2011

SJHL Looking For New Leader

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Laury Ryan stepped down as SJHL president today, but according to some it was only a matter of time. Word is Ryan didn't receive a vote of confidence in each of the past 2 seasons and there was a movement afoot to replace him. 'They're 4th among the 4 western league's' one source told TPS referring to where the SJHL ranks among junior A loops from Manitoba to BC.


Here's the official press release from the league.

After serving for eight years, SJHL President Laury Ryan is announcing he is stepping down at the end of this current term. In making this announcement, President Ryan wishes to acknowledge the many people in the present and in the past, involved with the member teams and their contributions to the league.

During Ryan’s term, the SJHL has prospered and is considered by many as one the top junior “A” hockey leagues in Canada. The league has seen many developments including the creation of the World Junior “A” challenge which allowed junior “A” players and coaches to represent Canada for the first time in history. The establishment of the SJHL Hall of Fame that in 2011 will see its third induction ceremony as the league recognizes its past heroes. The Saskatchewan Development Model, which coordinates elite hockey in Saskatchewan and the Junior A Supplement, that is a partnership with Hockey Canada and four other Junior A leagues are considered key achievements. The SJHL has had a successful run with league teams participating in six RBC championships finals collecting three national championships. The SJHL also became the first Junior “A” league in Canada to have live games broadcast across the province including the Credit Union Cup Championship series on cable television.

“It has been an honour to represent the league on behalf of so many great individuals who work tirelessly in their respective communities to make their franchises viable and successful. Any and all the good things that were achieved are a testament to their efforts” stated Ryan, “It has been an honour to serve as President of the SJHL”

On behalf of the SJHL board of Governors I would like to thank Laury for his many years of service and numerous innovations and contributions to the league and wish him the best in his future endeavors.” SJHL board of governors chair Rick Shultz said. “The SJHL management committee will be advertising and accepting applications for the position of SJHL president.”

**An audio interview with Laury Ryan done with SJHL Communications Director Mitchell Blair can be found on the league website at www.sjhl.ca. Any media outlet using clips or quotes from this interview is please asked to give sjhl.ca credit.

2 comments:

Brad M. said...

I really question your source that suggests that the SJHL is 4th amongst the 4 western leagues. If you are going to post a comment like that lets here is reasons substaniated with fact.

- Brad McNeil
Weyburn,SK

Dean Millard said...

It was an opinion of my source, not a fact. Everybody is entitled to one.