Changes are coming to Saskatchewan’s AAA midget league starting next winter.

The Saskatchewan Hockey Association is announcing re-alignment following an application process that ended October 1.

As a result, the Saskatchewan Midget Triple A League—a league that ends up seeing many players go on to play in the Western Hockey League is losing two franchises with two being added.

The league will now consist of teams from:

North Battleford

Estevan (new)

Moose Jaw

Notre Dame Hounds

Prince Albert

Regina

Saskatoon Blazers

Saskatoon Contacts

Swift Current

Tisdale

Warman (new)

Yorkton

It means the Notre Dame Argos and Beardy’s Blackhawks will no longer exist.  That decision is not sitting well with Beardy’s.  In a statement from the Beardy’s Minor Hockey Association, president Jason Seesequasis says “In this era of reconciliation, this team should be a point of pride, and a flagship franchise for a sport’s governing body like the SHA.”

SHA general manager Kelly McClintock understands the frustration being felt, but says this gives the southeast part of the province a much-needed team and in the end will improve what is already a great product.

“It is tough, and I understand that.” McClintock said.  “Beardy’s was a fantastic partner for us over the last many years, but they and everyone knew a review of Midget Triple A and Double A was coming.  We think this is best for this level of the game in our province.”

More on the changes coming to Midget AAA and AA hockey can be found here