Your CFL playoff plans remind me of the SJHL
Morning from the junction — here's what's moving in Melfort.
You hear about the CFL wanting to add more playoff teams, and my mind immediately goes to the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. It’s not just a passing thought; the SJHL actually tried expanding its playoff format, then pulled it back. The Canadian Football League is looking to introduce more teams into its postseason starting in 2027, but the SJHL found out it wasn't as simple as it looked on paper. Our league here, which is as much a part of the Melfort infrastructure as the grain elevator by the CN rail line, went through this whole exercise and ultimately decided against it.
### Why It Matters Here
The SJHL's experience shows that expanding playoffs isn't a guaranteed win. For a league like ours, where the Melfort Mustangs are a cornerstone of community identity, these decisions hit different. It's not just about ticket sales at the Kerry Vickar Centre; it’s about the integrity of the game and what it means for player development and the overall competition. When the SJHL broadened the field, some argued it diluted the regular season. Why fight for a top spot if nearly everyone gets in?
* **Diluted Regular Season:** Less incentive for teams like the Mustangs to push for a higher seed if a lower finish still gets you into the dance. * **Travel Costs:** More playoff games with more teams means more travel, which impacts already tight budgets for clubs spread across our vast province, from Nipawin to Estevan. * **Fan Engagement:** Does it make the playoffs more exciting, or does it just make the path to the final seem less earned?
The SJHL's reversal proves that sometimes, less is more. For the folks driving in from Star City or Tisdale to catch a Mustangs game, they want to see high-stakes hockey from start to finish. The league determined that the original, tighter playoff structure best served the competitive spirit and the sustainability of its teams, something the CFL might want to keep in mind.
That's the rundown from Melfort. Dave and the crew dig into this kind of stuff every morning — you can catch it live at mornings.live.