The Listowel Cyclones are sitting on the fence with their opinion of the GOJHL's new boundaries.
At a recent meeting, the league announced changes to the import rules. The most important being the new definition of an "Import". Under the changes, rather than each team having their own territory, each conference will split the entire player pool. For example, any player within the Midwestern Conference juresdiciton is now considered local to any team.
Before the changes, each team had their own area to draw local players, while any player from outside the boundaries would be considered an import. Listowel Cyclones GM Wayne Long says that was always an advantage.
"We had the whole Grey-Bruce region to ourself which was a real advantage to us." Long said. "With it all opening up, there is a chance for some of the bigger clubs to pick players."
Teams have 8 import spots to use, while only 7 can dress for any particular game. With so much local content on the Cyclones roster, the old rules were not much of a problem.
"We only used 3 of our import cards this past season" Long said, adding it has also been easier keep local after taking over the territory left when the Owen Sound Greys moved to Brampton.
One advantage that still remains is the Cyclones have a lot to offer on and off the ice. The most notable having reigning coach of the year and former OHL head coach Jason Brooks behind the bench.
"It opens up a lot of doors." Long says. "Jason has a lot of contacts and his background can draw kids to us."
Long says only time will tell if the new rules will improve or hinder Listowel's roster. It can be a double edged sword. While teams can look elsewhere for top prospects, they may lose their own local stars to the richer teams of the GOJHL.
