Kevin Sits Down With SJHL Commissioner Kyle McIntyre
A Q & A with SJHL Commissioner Kyle McIntyre
· How are you enjoying this season so far?
KM–We are off to an excellent start to the 2024-2025 season. We are one month in and our attendance average is 900 fans league-wide. Our FloHockey viewership average is 400 fans per game and overall team offense is up and some different teams are near the top, fighting for league supremacy.
· Why did you want to be the league commissioner?
KM–This is a long story. The short version is that I have had a strong interest in and passion for the SJHL since I played forty years ago. My family and I have been heavily involved with hockey as a coach, scout, board member and an administrator. I want to give back to the league and the game and I want to give players the positive experience that I had in the SJHL.
· What did you do before you took this job?
KM–I was the Deputy Director and Director of Education for the Chinook SD
· Were you always a hockey nut?
KM–From the time I came out of the womb, I was a hockey nut. My grandfather coached the Rosetown Red Wings in the 30s and 40s, my dad for the MJ Canucks, and our family owned and operated the Saskatoon Contacts for 38 years. Could I be anything but a hockey fanatic?
· What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of the SJHL?
KM–We have an extremely competitive league where players and teams play with speed, and skill and are taught to play the game correctly. Our greatest weakness is also our greatest strength—we are spread across the province, which means a lot of travel for teams and the commissioner!
· In what way can you help the Klippers?
KM–I coached a spring team in west central SK for a number of years and now many of these kids are playing for the Klippers. The Jr. Klippers are one of the closer teams to me, so I attend several games in Kindersley throughout the year.
· How do you see the future of the league?
KM–I see the future of the league as being very positive. We have the best Junior A league in Canada and we do more to promote our players and teams than any other league in Canada. I want to see more Saskatchewan kids “stay here and play here”. We have a great league with many volunteers and passionate fans!
· Winter travel in Saskatchewan can be a pain. Your home office is in Saskatoon?
KM–My office is in Swift Current. I try to attend at least two games in every community throughout the year. That means lots of travel. Our greatest strength is our greatest weakness. There is a lot of geography in the SJHL. Last year I attended just over 50 games including playoffs.
And something fun to end—after Christmas, my Director of Marketing and I are on a quest with the SK Cattleman’s Association to find the best burgers in the SJHL. In addition to the Klippers, being in the top echelon of hock, their concession burgers are top shelf!!
Well said Kyle and I thank you for your time.
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