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Here's what has changed with IceHawks and OPJHL
Sports
Sep 05, 2008
Both the IceHawks and the Provincial Jr. A League have undergone a number of key changes. Here's a quick look at the more prominent ones to bring fans up to speed.
Hired shortly after last spring's playoff run, Bill McDougall -- who's done a lot of development work and coached the Antigonish Bulldogs of the Maritime Jr. A league two years ago -- is now running things behind the bench. He's joined by brother Rob and native Miltonian Bryan Gent.
In an effort to bolster their advancement program, the team has brought in Steeve Boulanger as its academic advisor and Bob Betts as a college liaison.
Another addition sees John O'Brien step in as a risk assessment officer. At arm's length from the coaching staff, he'll serve as a sounding board for player concerns.
While the re-alignment caused by the formation of the experimental or 'super' division doesn't mean much upheaval for the IceHawks, they will see Vaughan join their ranks in the newly-named MacKinnon Division, who lose only Hamilton to the newly-created loop.
Run by former IceHawks owner Mario Forgione and coached by ex-IceHawks skipper Randy Novak, the Bramalea Blues make their return to the West (MacKinnon) and will play out of the Powerade Centre.
Inter-locking play has been resurrected, which will see Milton have home-and-home play against Aurora and Collingwood, plus a home game with Seguin and a road trip to Huntsville.
A two-referee system is now in place.
The league has switched back to its previous post-season format, with eight teams in each division making the playoffs.
WHAT'S NEW WITH ICEHAWKS
WHAT'S NEW IN LEAGUE
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