The Québec Major Junior Hockey League divulges its criteria for a future expansion
MONTREAL, Saturday November 13th, 2004 (QMJHL) At the conclusion of two days of meetings, Friday and Saturday in Montreal, the governors of the Québec Major Junior Hockey League have elaborated the criteria which potential owners of new franchises in Saint John, New Brunswick, and St. John’s, Newfoundland, will have to meet in order to enter the league in time for the 2005-2006 season.
«Consensus was the highlight of these two days of meetings, said QMJHL Commissioner Gilles Courteau, Saturday afternoon. All the participants were able to express their feelings and opinions in an atmosphere of good citizenship and respect. It was a meeting where the discussions turned out to be very productive.»
First, the governors have established at 3 million $ the cost of the franchise, a sum which will have to be fully paid at the Annual League Meetings, in June 2005, at the latest.
Out of this sum, 100 000 $ per team will go into the League’s Reserve Fund. If the expansion plan becomes reality, the 16 existing teams, who already have invested 75 000 $ in this Fund, will each add 25 000 $ to it.
« After an in-depth analysis of the situation, the governors established the 3 million $ price because they feel the markets of Saint John, New Brunswick, and St. John’s Newfoundland, are vigorous enough to cover expenses and pay off their respective investments, and very rapidly », explained Mr Courteau.
The League’s governors also determined that potential owners of a franchise in St. John’s, Newfoundland will have to reimburse opposing teams plane travel expenses.
Besides, potential owners of a team in Saint John, New Brunswick, will pay an annual sum of 75 000 $ to the League’s Equity Fund, as compensation expenses, for an indefinite period of time.
The governors also established at 3500 seats the minimum capacity of arenas for future QMJHL teams.
<b>Teams</b>
If the expansion comes about, existing teams will protect 16 players without any restrictions before the new teams proceed in the Special Expansion Entry Draft.
If two new teams enter the league, each existing formation will lose no more than three players, but no more than one goaltender. If only one new team is accepted, each club will lose no more than two players.
At the Midget Entry Draft, the two new teams will obtain the first two picks in each round, in alternation. The principle of alternation will also apply for the European Entry Draft, in respect of the existing Canadian Hockey League Rules.
At the end of a drawing, the winning team will have the opportunity to get the first pick in the Midget Entry Draft or the first pick in both the Special Expansion Entry Draft and the European Entry Draft.
Finally, both expansion teams will be allowed to align five 20 year-old players during their first season of existence, and four in their second season. In the third year, the existing rules in the QMJHL will apply to both expansion teams.
The complete list of criteria will be sent to potential investors as soon as Monday. November 30th is the last day where new teams will be accepted in the QMJHL in time for the 2005-2006 season.
Mr Courteau will be available for comments during a conference call which will take place at 2:30 pm on Monday afternoon. Details surrounding this conference call will be announced Monday morning.
