Thunder Bay, Ont. – Bryan Graham, who has served as the commissioner for the Superior International Junior Hockey League since 2014, has ended his term as league commissioner.
The SIJHL will immediately begin a national search for the commissioner’s position, led by an internal hiring committee.
Details and further information regarding the open position and the hiring process will be released within the coming days.
“We would like to thank Bryan Graham for his six years of service to the SIJHL and his many contributions to our league and the game of hockey,” said Doug Lein, Chairman of The Board of Governors.
“Bryan has many accomplishments to celebrate, many NCAA and U SPORTS commitments under his watch along with bringing true stability and calm to our league,” Lein added. “We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
During his tenure the SIJHL added three new franchises; the league held its first-ever Canada-USA All-Star Games as well as a pair of highly successful Dudley-Hewitt Cup events.
The circuit became the first member of the Canadian Junior Hockey League to exclusively broadcast all of their games in high definition and the SIJHL was the featured game when the Fort Frances Lakers and Red Lake Miners played during Hockey Day in Canada in February of 2017, before a sold-out crowd at the Kenora Recreation Centre.
That same month the league set an all-time record for attendance in a season and during his leadership over 130 players moved on from the SIJHL to the NCAA, U SPORTS and the Canadian Hockey League.
In his time, SIJHL officials were also selected to work as referees and linesmen at Dudley-Hewitt Cups as well as a Canadian National Jr. A Championship.
On behalf of the Board of Governors, its seven-member clubs, league & team’s staffs, coaches, players and fans, we would like to thank Bryan for his many contributions and his constant professionalism in representing the SIJHL brand and its teams.
With the unfortunate abrupt end to everyone’s 2019-20 season, the SIJHL looks forward to getting back to playing. The SIJHL Board of Governors is excited about the future of the league and the fresh ideas and changes that will be made moving forward.
The SIJHL’s 2020-21 season will mark year 20 years of the league. Over that time the SIJHL boasts over 350 College commitments.
At this time, any inquiries, media requests or need for contact can made to, Doug Lein, Chairman of the Board of Governors via email at DLein@WisconsinLumberjacks.com or by phone at 715-699-5600.