IJHL History

The International Junior A Hockey League was developed in 2005 after a successful eight years as the Interstate Junior Hockey League. Since the league adopted an unlmited import rule the level of play has improved each year and the growth of the league at the full time level Junior A Super Elite Division has swelled to 12 members. More importantly the league is split geographically into a New England Division with 6 full time members and a Mid Atlantic Division with 6 full time members.  The Full Season Jr Elite was transformed into a 6 team half season Jr Elite circuit this year.Additionally they have 5 Associate members close to signing on for next season. The unlimted import rule has been widely encouraged by many other leagues mirroring the IJHL.Many other leagues have recently applied to increase their import numbers. This concept was designed from day one of the International league and it is flattering to see other Junior A league endorsing the concept.  The league structure of a Commissioner, Director of Hockey Operations and supporting league officers has proved successful over the 8 years  of the Interstate ,as well as the 6 years with the  International League. This system has now been adopted by several other leagues. One advantage the league has is the conducting of Nationals without the monumental costs of weeklong tournaments to far away venues. The IJHL has Nationals with teams from Quebec City, along with Invitational teams that compete in the Nationals. C/Gep St Foye of Quebec City is a 2 time Junior A National Champion. With the availability of older players ,  along with the imports ,it has raised the level of play dramatically in the IJHL over the last 5 seasons. Commissioner Charlie Nielsen and Director David McCarthy have done yeoman's work in producing a top level college development league. Due to the leagues success , and close working relationships it has molded a strong circuit. With minimal travel ,and only a few overnight trips it helps the member teams with budgets and player rest.The highest compliment a league can receive is having other leagues adopting their ideas.