The Manitoba Junior Hockey League entered a new era back on Wednesday, July 1 when Kevin Saurette became the Commissioner of the league after Kim Davis stepped down after serving 18 years in the role.
During those years, Kim helped transform the league to become one of the best in Canada and all Kim has done hasn't gone unnoticed. In the past, John Grisdale, Ron Boileau, Joe Drago, Frank McKinnon, Wayne Kartush, and Marty Knack were appointed by the Canadian Junior Hockey League as Life Members in recognition of their considerable contributions over the years to Jr. A hockey.
After 18 years at the helm of the MJHL, Kim is now the seventh individual in CJHL history to earn the honour as he's been appointed a Life Member. Under Kim's watch, which began in June of 2002, the MJHL saw over 6,000 regular season contests held, along with 700-plus playoff match-ups competed in and over 200 regional or national championship games having been played.
Brent Ladds, president of the CJHL had this to say on the appointment.
“The CJHL is grateful for Kim’s many years of service, as a member of our Board and is truly deserving of joining the CJHL’s distinguished group of Life Members,” offered league president Brent Ladds. “His dedication, integrity, and passion for Junior A hockey across Canada, has always been evident through the unselfish giving of his time and his commitment to player-related issues."
Davis, from Flin Flon, had this to say.
"I've met all of the individuals that have received this award and they all did so much," said Davis. "To be a part of that group is an extreme honour and it's extremely humbling. It's very rewarding and gratifying that all my peers believe I did positive things, it's a tremendous honour."
During his 18-year tenure with the MJHL, Kim also spent a number of years as part of the CJHL’s Executive Committee.
Although he is no longer at the helm of the league, Davis says he plans on staying involved in the game in other ways. Nothing has been finalized at this time, but he is talking to different groups about potential work. Davis also plans on staying in touch with Saurette moving forward.
For now, Davis will head back up north to his cabin near Flin Flon for the majority of the summer months to sit back and relax after an illustrious career as commissioner of the league.
"I'm honestly trying to figure my way around and get used to being retired, I think it's going to take me a while," added Davis. "It's a different lifestyle. I'll enjoy the summer months here and we'll see what happens moving forward."
Fans of the MJHL these days come to expect an elite brand of hockey, one that is very exciting to watch and a league that sends many players to the next level; however, it wasn't always like that. Davis says that when he first entered his role as commissioner the league wasn't seen as relevant when it comes to developing players and moving them on after their junior days.
Today, as mentioned above, the MJHL is doing a great job of advancing players. The Kings advanced several players to the next level in time for next season, one of which is Grady Hobbs who is playing Division 1 hockey.
"I really do believe the MJHL is doing a wonderful job in terms of fulfilling its mandate to develop and provide opportunities to players so they can move on to the next level," ended Davis. "I'm really proud of having established that as a mandate for this league and helping to fulfill it."
