Hi Carlee, 

I can appreciate the concern, and I am happy to provide additional details: 

Our League formed a Committee to evaluate competitiveness and equity in team formation.

We have reviewed regional registration numbers, historical data, and AAA models across Canada.

No decisions have been made. In fact, the Committee is not authorized to make decisions. Rather, the Committee is simply working to find solutions to remedy the inequity of the current structure. On that point, we have invited representatives from all Regions of Manitoba to participate in this important conversation. 

Aaron Vallance was appointed by the Norman Northstars to participate in this group. He has been to every meeting and has all the details.  

Below you will find (1) Hockey Manitoba Registration Numbers by Region and (2) a 20-year overview of the U18 AAA standings by Region. 

Again, the Committee’s purpose is (1) to evaluate whether the current structure of forming AAA Teams in Manitoba is fair and equitable, and (2) to evaluate if all players in Manitoba - including players in Norman, Parkland, Interlake, and Central Plains - are provided the same opportunity to play competitive hockey with and against players of similar ability. 

The data speaks for itself: the current structure is not fair or equitable, and players across the province do not have the same opportunities. 

Lastly, any rumour suggesting that we are abandoning Norman players, or that our discussion is related to travel, is absolutely not true. With respect to Norman, our discussion was focused on a wholesale solution that not only increased the number of Norman players who could play AAA hockey in the U18 age category, but also provided an improved development pathway from U15 AAA to Junior. Notwithstanding those discussions, no decisions have been made, and the Committee has not finalized its recommendations. When we do, the recommendations will need to be approved by the League’s Board of Directors and ultimately Hockey Manitoba. 

Should you require additional details, please feel free to call me. 

Respectfully, 
--
Levi A. Taylor
Commissioner
Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League

390E 1st Street
Winkler, Manitoba 
R6W 2R6

T: 431-822-1251
O: 431-441-4118
F: 431-301-4153
E: u18commissioner@gmail.com