The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League is making a small however vital change to the identify of its league.
Introduced this afternoon, the QMJHL will now be generally known as the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, altering the that means of the “M” from “Major” to “Maritimes.” This acknowledges the six energetic QMJHL franchises which play within the Maritimes area, east of Quebec, whereas nonetheless retaining the long-used league acronym.
“Recognizing the immeasurable contributions of our six Maritimes-based franchises to the growth of our League has been of paramount importance since I have taken on the role of Commissioner,” QMJHL commissioner Mario Cecchini mentioned within the official launch. “Out of respect for our clubs in the Maritimes and their fans, it has been a priority for me to include them in the name of the League. The vote to change the designation was unanimous.”
The French identify of the league can be up to date to la Ligue de hockey junior Maritimes Québec, retaining the LHJMQ acronym.
The identify Quebec Main Junior Hockey League debuted together with the league in 1969 upon the merger of the Metropolitan Montreal Junior Hockey League and the Quebec Junior Hockey League. Starting with the 1994-95 season, the QMJHL crammed the void left by the AHL in Canada’s Maritime provinces with the enlargement Halifax Mooseheads. Groups in Moncton, Cape Breton, and Bathurst rapidly adopted, ultimately touchdown on the six franchises taking part in within the area right here in 2023-24.
Right now’s announcement additionally included a brand new English model of the league’s emblem, preserving the identical type as the present (and untouched) LHJMQ mark.
