After three seasons, the Als management feel it would be better to build on the 2010-2011 season, hoping that Hockey Canada will remove all sanctions.

Definition:
Hockey Canada and its member Branches view all leagues that operate outside the auspices/sanctioning of Hockey Canada programs to be classified as outlaw leagues. This currently does not include summer hockey leagues/teams, adult recreational hockey leagues/teams, high school hockey, and/or hockey schools.

Sanctions

Any individual who participates (knowingly or otherwise) in outlaw programs September 30 of the season in question (the Cut--Off Date) will lose all membership privileges with Hockey Canada for the remainder of that season, and may only reapply for membership with Hockey Canada after the end of that season. Participation in a game (including an exhibition, tournament, league or playoff game) after the Cut--Off Date. If a participant makes the choice to participate in these outlaw programs, they must understand the ramifications of that choice and that the sanctions described in this paragraph will remain in effect even if the league or team folds, or the individual is released or suspended.

Options for next season would be to continue like the previous years or register the team as a non-profit organization and raise money for local charities (ex: high school activities and local hospital) or putting the team up for sale. Sitting out this season will probably return the Als into a rebuilding situation after not  participating in this year's draft and losing some players to free-agency but the sanctions from Hockey Canada puts the team in a difficult situation.

I would like to thank our players, parents, staff, sponsors, the town of West Nipissing, the media and loyal fans for three exciting seasons of Junior A Hockey in West Nipissing. Hope to see you again next season.

Owner, President
Gerry St-Onge
Nipissing Alouettes Junior A Hockey of the GMHL

Posted June 9th 2009

Leclair wins major GMHL award

André Leclair has once again proved why he is one of the best players in the GMHL as he was recognized by league coaches as the league's top first year player. Leclair earned 7 of the 13 votes to win the Dan Garneau award as "the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the GMHL". Leclair, a 1990 birthdate, scored 49 goals and 110 points, both Alouette records. He also came second in the league's MVP voting, losing out to Minden's Brett Meyers.

Other Alouettes that received votes at the league awards were Robin Mendelsohn who was considered for the league's top defensive forward. Greg Hyde also got votes as the league's top defenseman while Pat Beaudry got votes as the league's top goaltender. Head coach Lui Ricci was also considered as the league's coach of the year.

Leclair was also nominated as the player who displays the most heart while Mendelsohn was nominated in the top forward category. Brent St-Denis also drew a nomination as the league's most gentlemanly player. Congratulations to all the award winners and for the Alouette players who were nominated.

Posted March 29th 2009

Alouettes season comes to an end

The Nipissing Alouettes most successful season so far has come to an end after an 8-4 defeat at the hands of the GMHL's best team, the South Muskoka Shield at the Sturgeon Falls Arena on Saturday night. The Shield swept the series in three games and will now face the Elliot Lake Bobcats in the North division final.

André Leclair scored twice while Robin Mendelsohn and Dan Madigan scored singles. Mendelsohn also added two assists. Troy Storm had two goals for the Shield while Dan Söderberg, Dylan Sontag, Derek Rodgers, Chad Meagher, Ricky Greenslade and Travis Saltz added singles. Pat Beaudry took the loss in goal for the Alouettes while Brian Valentine picked up the win.

"The Shield are by far the best team in the league. They've got three solid lines and that's the reason they've only lost 5 games all year" said head coach Lui Ricci after the game. "They're very good without the puck and they've got good goaltending". "I'm proud of the guys, we've come a long way and to the graduating players, I hope they've learned something this year and wish them the best of luck". Players who have played their last game of junior hockey include: Pat Beaudry, Jordan Presseault, Paul Traynor, Antonio Morris and Justin Huycke, all of whom contributed to the Alouettes success this season.

Posted March 7th 2009