The SJHL season starts this weekend, and teams will now be taking a new path to the RBC Cup. The final Western Canadian Championship was played last season. Now, the four western leagues of the CJHL are reverting to the previous system, which would see the winner of the Canalta Cup in Saskatchewan take on the MJHL champion in the Anavet Cup, with the winner advancing to the RBC Cup.

The change has the president of the SJHL, Bill Chow, looking forward to the new season.

“The focus is a little bit different. I think you can prepare your team a little bit different, and you can build your team in a little bit different manner as well,” he said.

Chow also confirmed a rumor around the league about some joint ventures between the SJHL and the MJHL, possibly as soon as this season.

“It’s in the works. We’re probably going to have something out later this week as to the finer details of that.”

The decision to hold something like an all-star game or showcase involving both leagues is one Chow says is rooted in promoting the league.

“We’re working together to try and promote our players to higher levels of hockey, including NCAA, CIS, and the NHL,” Chow said.

The SJHL season kicks off Friday evening, with all 12 teams in the league scheduled to play.