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Kraagenskul · 07-17-2020, 09:52 PM

Grader: This is my first article.

It is draft time for the SMJHL! Many young hockey players from North America and Europe are excited with anticipation as they await their call to the beginning of their true hockey careers. For most of them it will be their first time away from their families but the beginning of a different kind of family. Many will be transported thousands of miles from home, maybe a different country, and occasionally just down the street.

Do you find yourself looking at a map to see the locations of possible destinations? One might know that Anaheim is in California, but where exactly? Detroit is on the lakes, but which one? Just how far north is Anchorage, anyways? Which Carolina are the Kraken in? Where might Maine be? Which Canadian province is Kelowna in?

Well, fair not brave citizen! I am here to give you a rundown of each SMJHL city, including a brief description, activities for young players, and the current hockey climate there.

As a young athlete far from home make sure you understand a few things about your new home:

While the drinking age varies between Canada and the United States, rookie SMJHL players are generally too young to drink and your coach will ream you a new one if you get caught doing so.
Gambling is legal and in abundance for some cities but again is restricted by age. Do yourself a favor and stay away from any casinos. The last thing you and your teammates need is a betting scandal.
Outdoor activities in many of these cities can be dangerous. Make sure you are dressed for the weather, wear a lifejacket when appropriate, and always have some buddies with you, let people know you are going out, and check with your team trainers to make sure your activity will not impact your game.

Now let’s get to it:

Anaheim Outlaws, Anaheim, California, United States

Description: Originally founded as a place to grow grapes for winemaking, Anaheim was a fairly rural area despite its proximity to Los Angeles. That all changed when some guy named Walt decided to put his new theme park there and the city saw rapid growth. Anaheim is a bustling tourist city that appeals to people of all ages. Fun fact: Anaheim is not a part of Los Angeles, or even Los Angeles County despite what terribly named baseball teams might imply.

Things to Do: To start is the city’s most famous attraction, Disneyland. If you can swing it, the regular annual pass is actually priced quite reasonable overall. Of course there is so much to do in the area you might not have time to visit the park regularly. Los Angeles is just north of the city, although it might take you anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours to get there. Both Anaheim and Los Angeles have plenty of professional sports teams to go and watch, and the southern California weather makes for an amazing ballpark experience. There are also plenty of beaches in the vicinity, some of which are ideal for the surfer in you! And if the coach gives you the day off, grab the lads and head down to San Diego for a visit to the famous Zoo. Or Legoland, because you know that’s where you really want to go.

Hockey Climate: While the area is known more for its baseball and basketball teams, a large population coupled with plenty of transplants from more traditional hockey locales and decades of professional hockey has created a fanbase that rivals many other cities. Long ago hockey to the people of Anaheim was something that happened far away but now each game of the local teams is eagerly anticipated. There are plenty of fans who can spout at the stats of their favorite players from memory and have rooms dedicated to hockey. California is also producing their fair share of professional players these days, a tribute to the hard work of the risk takers who founded or moved teams to California.

Anchorage Armada, Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Description: The capital and most populous city in Alaska, Anchorage is a fairly young city by Northern American standards, only having been officially incorporated in 1920. During World War II the city was an important contributor to the Allied war efforts in the North Pacific and continued its military importance during the Cold War. Anchorage saw considerable population growth in the mid 20th century but has leveled off in the early 21st century.

Things to Do: Anchorage can be a tough place in the winter months associated with hockey due to the long nights, although many Scandanavian and Russian players might disagree. Still, there is plenty to do for any young athlete. Kayaking in Cook Inlet is a popular pastime and especially exciting if there are Beluga whales or Orcas about. Some of the greatest fishing on earth is available to the avid angler. Hiking is another popular activity with spectacular views and amazing wildlife. Those long nights can be appeased by staggering spectacular views of the Northern Lights. While the city itself has an amazing view of the night sky, a short trip outside the city is a star gazer’s delight.

Hockey Climage: Because professional hockey was hard to come by before the advent of cable television and the Internet, the growth of fans in Anchorage was somewhat slagnate. While many of the residents might lack the historical knowledge found in many of the traditional cities there are plenty that have made the extra effort to educate themselves since the arrival of the Armada. For many Anchorage natives the team offers a distraction to the long Alaskan night, and water cooler talk often centers around a previous night’s game. Do not be surprised if you are recognized in public with a friendly salutation or find out your coffee was paid for by the fan in front of you.

Carolina Kraken, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

Description: Charlotte is a hidden gem of the eastern United States. A key city for banking, it surprises many people by being the 15th largest city in the country by population. Nestled just north of the South Carolina border makes it an ideal place to host sports teams that appeal to both states.

Things to do: Charlotte is home to many sports offerings, including a professional football and basketball team, a minor league baseball team, but is probably best known as being one of the hubs of NASCAR. The Charlotte Motor Speedway is worth visiting even on non-race days. Charlotte’s rich and storied history offers museums galore to choose including history (both traditional and living), art, and fittingly the NASCAR Hall of Fame. If you are into the outdoors, there are plenty of hiking opportunities in the area featuring challenges for both beginners and experts alike. And if you like barbeque Charlotte has a plethora of some of the best offerings east of the Mississippi.

Hockey Climate: Charlotte can be a tough nut to crack with so much competition for the sports enthusiast, but the winter offers a lull from the more traditional sports that provides an opportunity for hockey, especially with the reasonable priced tickets of the Kraken. For what the fans lack in numbers compared to the major sports they are every bit as passionate about their team and usually you will be playing to a full (and loud) rink. And don’t be surprised to look out into the crowd and see the state’s governor, an avid hockey fan, staring back at you.

Colorado Raptors, Denver, Colorado, United States

Description: “Mile High City”, the most populous of Colorado, is a gorgeous, growing city set east of the Rocky Mountains. It is a renowned resort city that is the hub for the mountain states. Denver is a popular destination for both the tourist and people seeking a new home, making It currently one of the fastest growing municipalities in the United States.

Things to Do: Like many cities of its size, Denver has numerous professional sports teams, including major professional organizations for football, basketball, and baseball. The city offers some of the best restaurants in the country, a rich downtown area, and plenty of cultural experiences. But the best thing Denver and Colorado in general has to offer is skiing and snowboarding; it is considered the top destination in the United States for those and arguably the best in all of the Western Hemisphere. Many an Olympian medalist has honed their skills on a Colorado mountain.

Hockey Climate: Denver is an interesting place when it comes to sports. For the locals football team is second to none and it has quite a few failed professional teams in several sports, including hockey. But those were decades ago. A solid core (Colorado is home to the headquarters of USA Hockey), and a growing populace intermixed with new residents has caused a resurgence in an interest in the sport. While some of the fans you find in the stands are the types that only showed up because “We had tickets”, the speed and excitement of the game has hooked many of them especially over the last decade. It is fairly common to see fans with Raptor gear around the city and fans wearing the apparel like to greet each other with a Raptor snarl.

Detroit Falcons, Detroit Michigan, United States

Description: Don’t be fooled by the so-called “decline” of Detroit; it is still a bustling city with rich history and a proud, hardworking populace. The border city (Windsor, Ontario is located across the river) is located on the cleverly named Detroit River nestled between the massive Lake Erie and the comparatively smaller Lake St. Claire. Detroit is a beautiful city combining centuries’ worth of cultures and growth. You’ll find breathtaking structures from bygone eras, although to be fair you will also see some that will leave you wondering if the Soviets occupied the city at some point. Fun fact: Detroit is the largest city in the United States that is due north of Canada.

Things to do: Again, the “decline” of Detroit is way overblown. A city of more than half a million people has plenty of options. Professional basketball, football, and baseball are just some of the highlights. Motown has plenty of offerings dedicated to its music history, and the automotive museums showcase some of the most beautiful cars to ever grace the roads. The zoo and aquarium are both highlights of the city and Fort Wayne can be a fun visit for you and your teammates. The city has recently invested in some beautiful waterfront parks as well.

Hockey Climate: It’s called “Hockeytown” for a reason. Detroit has a long and storied history dating back well over a hundred years. Players from the area often played in the elite amateur leagues of Ontario before the advent of professional hockey. You can find families with 4, 5, and even 6 generations of players. There is a hardcore base along with plenty of less dedicated but nonetheless loyal fans. Across the river, Windsor might have plenty of local options but will still make the crossing to watch future professionals.

Kelowna Knights, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

Description: Some 200 miles east of Vancouver and 80 miles north of the American border lies picturesque Kelowna. While many people have never heard of this British Columbian gem, the loss is on them. Overlooking Okanagan Lake, the city offers spectacular views, crisp clean air, and an escape from the larger cities while still maintaining a modern vibe. And don’t worry about travel; the city sports an international airport.

Things to do: Kelowna offers plenty of activities, especially for those who love the outdoors. There plenty of beautiful parks dotting the city and surrounding areas provide opportunities for hiking, biking, sailing, kayaking, and fishing. Kelowna has some terrific golf courses where you can hone your game before winter sets in, and then you can take advantage of the nearby ski mountains!
Hockey Climate: Kelowna offers a bevy of knowledgeable die hard hockey fans who enjoy watching levels of all ages and skill. British Columbia in general has a rich history in hockey and Kelowna is a showcase of that history. The downtown area is dotted with hockey rinks, most of which would be the envy of any city.

Maine Timber: Portland, Maine, United States

Description: Portland is Maine’s largest city and is the type of city you think of when you picture a New England tourist ocean town. The city fell on hard times a few decades ago but has roared back and rebuilt itself to a must-go destination, one of the many reasons you will find the phoenix on the city seal.

Things to do: Portland is best known for its ocean activities. Early or late in the season should you and your Timber cohorts snag a day take a trip for some deep sea fishing or go whale watching. While the weather will be cool even during the sunnier parts of a hockey season the beaches are still great places to relax or play games. There’s plenty of other opportunities outside of the sea as well; Maine is home to some of the most heavily forested areas of the country allowing for many outdoor activities. Find a nice ski mountain the day after a nor-easter rips through the area for some top notch fun. Boston is just two hours south maybe you convince someone in management to get you tickets to go see the Wolfpack play.

Hockey Climate: New England has long been a hotspot for hockey, and the people of Maine are no different. Numerous SHL players learned their trade on frozen lakes or in backyard rinks pretending to be the next great star. While many fans will tune in to the local SHL team, some will eschew that to watch the Timbers if they are playing the same night. The team also attracts fans from the nearby states of New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.

Nevada Battleborn: Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

Description: Almost everybody has heard of Nevada’s largest city. Head over to North Sentinal Island and mention Las Vegas and you might get a nod (and probably an arrow.) Originally a tiny railroad town, “Sin City” has turned into one of the key entertainment centers of North America. The city lights and atmosphere can be both overwhelming and alluring to the newcomer. While many leagues have opted to stay out of the city because of the gambling connection, its continuing burgeoning population and success of smaller teams is changing that attitude.

Things to do: It’s Vegas, baby. If you cannot find something to do there is something wrong with you. Your age might limit the available activities, but that doesn’t mean there are not any! Take in one of the many shows available, there are plenty of thrilling park rides, and just because you can’t go into the casino doesn’t mean you cannot check the other attractions they offer. The city has a mix of museums both traditional and nontraditional to pique your curiosity. Nevada also offers some amazing hiking and camping opportunities.

Hockey Climate: Nevada is not exactly known as a hockey state. That being said, the locals are starved for good sports entertainment and social media abounds with excitement for the new team. There are plenty of fans who are stoked they don’t have to drive to Los Angeles to see a game. A blitz of media coupled with an obviously engaged owner as well as a driven GM are going to make the city fall in love with their new team. And twenty or thirty years from now when a young player out of Nevada was inspired by the Battleborn you can smile to yourself knowing “I was a part of that.”

Newfoundland Berzerkers: St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Description: Newfoundland is the site of the earliest European settlement and St. John’s is the oldest European-founded city in North America. The island looks like it could have come from a different time - century old houses dot the rolling hills and there is still plenty of farming and fishing. The people of Newfoundland are a proud but warm & friendly populace. Take care: several hockey players that have played for a team in the province now have grandkids there.

Things to do: Fishing and whale watching are among the two most popular pastimes of both tourists and natives, and do not forget to check out the puffins. Rent a bicycle and take a trip around the Irish Loop. Newfoundland also has some of the most spectacular hiking in all of Canada. Newfoundland is also home to the western hemisphere’s earliest European settlement, Norstead, a viking settlement. Be sure to check out the archeological dig.

Hockey climate: While most people believe every Canadian has been a mandated hockey fan since roughly 1890, Newfoundland is actually a latecomer to the party. Only officially part of Canada in 1949, hockey had a much later start here. However, a few transplants to the area in the last 70 years has built a love for hockey that has resulted in several players going pro and a few even winning championships at the highest levels. A lack of other sports teams has resulted in a deep love for the Berzerkers.

Quebec Citadelles: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Description: The capital of Quebec, Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in North America having been originally settled in 1608. It has a long and storied history and the mix of 19th, 20th, and 21st century buildings is second to none in the western hemisphere. Do not let the city’s false reputation fool you; the people of the “La Vieille Capitale” are both wonderful and friendly making the city a great place to stay and even harder to place to leave.

Things to Do: Quebec City’s architecture is stunning. While this doesn’t usually excite teenage athletes, it is hard not to marvel at structures like the imposing but beautiful Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. The city offers plenty of activities as well, including some of Canada’s best museums and parks. There is plenty of skiing and hiking to be had around the city as well. As for winter, you could not ask for a better place to be. While some cities shut down outside activities when the weather drops below zero, the people of Quebec embrace it like a teammate who just scored in overtime. An ice hotel, a winter carnival, tobogganing, and even some ice fishing. Just make sure to bring a hat.

Hockey Climate: The natives are pumped to have an SMHJL team in their city. Quebec City
is a hockey hotbed with stories that can be told from three different centuries. A book entailing the complete history would probably need a crane to lift it. The city is the home of numerous early professional hockey teams and the city has claimed the championship of many different leagues. Nothing has changed over the decades and you can expect the locals to pack the rink and their infectious love for the game can be a driving force for the home team.

St. Louis Scarecrows: St. Louis, Missouri, United States

Description: Ah, St. Louis. One of the crown jewels of cities along the Mississippi River, the first thing people often picture is the famous Arch, but the city is so much more than that. Founded in 1764 it has a rich history and a mix of several cultures that have created a great American city.

Things to do: First things first: take a ride up to the top of the Arch. The view is simply spectacular and I believe tradition holds that your teammates will not speak to you unless you bring back pictures. St. Louis holds many of the usual modern city amenities, including an amusement park, zoo, aquarium and museums; grab the chaps some afternoon for a trip to the City Museum or even the Magic House. They might be geared a bit towards younger kids but you’ll still have a blast. At some point make sure you get yourself out to Cahokia Mounds. While it seems like it is “just a hill,”, staring at something built more than a thousand years ago can be quite humbling.

Hockey Climate: St. Louis can be a tough nut to crack for a sports organization. Many pro franchises have come and gone over the last one hundred years with only a few sticking. That being said, the area has a dedicated core of hockey fans who fill the stands, local bars, and post plenty of game videos online. Also, don’t be fooled by St. Louis being in Missouri, there are plenty of nearby Illinois fans who lay claim to the teams as well.

Vancouver Whalers: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Description: Vancouver is arguably the most beautiful city on the entire planet. If you mention the words “Western Canadaian coast” to anyone, the amazing skyline framed with the picture perfect waters and majestic mountains immediately come to mind. . It is an international city as well; people from all over the world now call Vancouver home. It offers everything a modern city could while still keeping that Canadian charm.

Things to Do: Because Vancouver is both a hub for travelers and a tourist destination the city offers much in the way of activities. Just the water activities alone could keep you occupied for an entire season, especially ocean kayaking. The city proper has an aquarium, museums, and different districts with amazing food offerings. The hiking opportunities alone bring many a tourist in, and there are plenty of amazing ski mountains within a reasonable driving distance. Make sure you make your way to Stanley Park, ranked among the world’s best. And yes, the park is named after the same Stanley.

Hockey Climate: Vancouver fans get a bad rap from eastern conference fans as being a “new” hockey town, but that just means they are the uninformed fan. Vancouver has a long history of hockey that rivals any city. In the early 20th century many of the better players of Ontario and Quebec left to play in Vancouver. The most well known early professional league that Vancouver was the hub of invented blue lines, the forward pass, and the penalty shot Today’s fans are no less knowledgeable and dedicated and love their Whalers.

After reading all of this, make sure you do not favor one city over the other. Very few are the players who did not fall in love with the city and its people. All the locales on this list are prime destinations, else they would not have a team to call their own. When you get selected by a team you and your new comrades will quickly find plenty to entertain yourselves around your new home away from home. Just please to make sure you take advantage of your new surroundings and do not spend all your free time playing Fornite. It is bad for your conditioning anyways.

Enjoy your SMJHL draft day! While it might lack the pomp and circumstance of the SHL Draft, is is nonetheless a momentous and rememberable part of your hockey career.

overdoo · 07-17-2020, 10:00 PM

I can confirm, the State Governer attends all of our games. He regularly yells at me for my performance post-game.

Nice article! Kraken

Kraagenskul · 07-17-2020, 10:44 PM

07-17-2020, 10:00 PMoverdoo Wrote: I can confirm, the State Governer attends all of our games. He regularly yells at me for my performance post-game.

Nice article!

Thanks for checking it out!