Hi!


I'd like to discuss what the SMJHL league's main purpose is.
This may seem obvious but I really do think the HO needs to define what the purpose of it is and make sure that the perception of the SMJHL is in line with that.

We've had a lot of discussions over my 4 seasons in SMJHL and some of the common ones are:

• SMJHL is a league for the first gen rookies
  
• Rookie ice time should be prioritzed
  
• 350 TPE cap is to low
  
• Competitiveness of the SMJHL should not be the focus of the league
  
• Spending to long time in the SMJHL is bad
  

Lets go from the top.

SMJHL is a league for the first gen rookies:
The SMJHL's main purpose is to introduce the first generation members to the site and how it works, from how to apply your TPE to how to gain money. This league is where you are supposed to learn it all.
This to setup the user for the real deal, the SHL.

Rookie ice time:
SMJHL is a league that should focus on getting new first generation players to stick with the league, the first few weeks on the site is cited as crucial for the first generation members as it's during this time most users drop the site.
To prevent this the SMJHL should focus on giving rookies more ice time, this is to make the users get a feeling of importance. More ice time => More points/hits etc.

350 TPE cap is to low:
The cap of 350 is hit very fast, if you are a top earner you'll be maxed out at the beginning of your 2nd season. This makes the progression if your players stop as you only bank the future TPE. Also your player wont change unless you redistribute your TPE drastically or change position. Your player in it's 4th season of SMJHL is just as good as a player entering the 2nd season. This makes the 1-3 seasons of send down very stale for the user.

Competitiveness of the SMJHL should not be the focus of the league:
This one ties in with the first one, the SMJHL should focus less on winning Four Star cups, every team should make the play-offs so that you don't risk losing members during a long off-season of no games and setup for the next season. Stacking lines with strong players (includes fielding strong inactive capped players with more ice time then actives) and forcing rookies down in minutes is making users leave.

Spending to long time in the SMJHL is bad:
A player is able to play in the SMJHL for 5 seasons before they are forced to be called up to their SHL team, or dropped from the roster. Playing to many seasons in the SMJHL is taking up spots that could be filled with rookies.

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I've tried to write statements with as little personal bias as possible, if there still is I'm sorry.

I'd like to know what the community thinks of these topics, and if the league owners and HO agree with the view the community have.

Please take time and vote, and if you have add or change to leave a reply.

(you got five votes, one for each topic)

Much love,
Mayuu