Natives in for Season 26; Playoff Format Change for MJHL?

  There will be at least a 26th season for the Neepawa Natives in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
 
  The league’s board of governors were updated on the Natives’ status at their regularly scheduled meeting this past weekend.
 
  "The jist of their update to the board on Saturday was that they remain committed to being a good member in the league and do expect to be participating fully next season," Commissioner Kim Davis told CKLQ on Tuesday, "In fact, according to our league by-laws, the date by which teams have to notify that they are leaving the leagus is March 31st."
 
  The Natives are more than $90,000 in debt, lost more than $50,000 this season and are currently operating on a line of credit.
 
  Neepawa’s Board of Directors are exploring several options to expand volunteerism, season-ticket base and fundraising, and the league are supporting them in that effort.
 
  "Certainly, the bulk of the effort have to come from the club and their board," added Davis, "They are working on some initiatives."
 
  Meanwhile, the league could be making some changes to its playoff format moving forward.
 
  Sources tell CKLQ that the league is considering going to one division, with the top eight teams making the playoffs.
 
  It’s a similar format to what was successful, adopted by the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League this season.
 
  "There was some discussion the future playoff format in the league, and some very good discusion," said Davis, "We will be ratifying some decisions that were made at the meeting at the AGM weekend on June 6-8."
 
  Davis also says there’s been no interest shown in re-locating or adding more franchises to the league.
 
  "We haven’t had any discussion on that amongst the board members," said Davis, "There’ve been no overtures from any communities or possible owners."
 
  Thompson is mentioned as a possible site on an annual basis, but there’s been no interest shown from the northern city recently.