Following the annual league meetings in Nipawin at the end of May, a number of rule changes were introduced that willt take effect for the upcoming season.

First and maybe most importantly is the discontinuation of the Survivor Series. Previously, 10 of the 12 teams qualified for the postseason, with the seventh through tenth-seeded teams playing in a mini play-in series. Now, the top eight teams will directly qualify based on points with no guarantees for division winners.

Technically speaking, one division could be shut out of the playoffs in an unlikely scenario.

The SJHL will also now use the hybrid icing adaptation that has been used for a couple seasons in the NHL. This is a change on the previous no touch icing, where as soon as the puck crosses the goal line the whistel would blow. No, a defender must win a race to the hashmarks, otherwise an offensive player can nullify the icing call.

A new disciplinary committee will also be a new addition to the league this year. A three-man team will hear all appeals and make decisions on suspensions, instead of just Commisioner Bill Chow.

"I think wehat we're looking for is more transparency," Chow said via the SJHL's website.

Also coming from the league AGM was the SJHL Draft of course, and Bill Chow was also given a two-year contract extension with the league.

The schedule is still being finalized for the 2019/2020 season.