The head coach of the Sarnia Legionnaires says he fully supports the Greater Ontario Jr. Hockey League's (GOJHL) petition to be granted Tier II "Junior A" status.
The online document, being put forward to the Ontario Hockey Association, has nearly 4,000 signatures.
Derek Di Muzio said the league's current "Junior B" designation presents challenges including the perception of a weaker league, and having fewer post-secondary scholarship opportunities.
"Typically, the reason why players who leave our league get scholarships is because they play in other leagues until they're 20-years-old,"said Di Muzio. "Colleges typically want to see players play their 20-year-old season and see how they grow and develop into being young men. That's why when a player leaves us, you'll see them get a scholarship. If they stick around until their 20-year-old year, and continue to dominate, they can be successful. I know he didn't get a scholarship, but Nolan DeGurse is a prime example. He stayed in Sarnia, and he's become an exceptional player. Our GM Tom Norris has fielded calls from North America asking about him."
Di Muzio said right now players have to move to larger centres for "Junior A" which can be quite costly.
"This change would afford an opportunity for local athletes to stay in their own community and play hockey at a high level. The calibre of hockey in our league should be considered 'Junior A'. It's important that these players stay in their own communities and keep developing."
Di Muzio said if the change were made, the teams would probably continue playing in their own division, so there likely wouldn't be increased travel.
Many Ontario mayors, including Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley, have penned their signatures in support.
A link to sign the petition can be found here.
