THE CANADIAN PRESS
BOUCHERVILLE, Que. — The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League is undergoing a major facelift in time for next season.
QMJHL commissioner Gilles Courteau confirmed Thursday the league will move to a four-division system beginning in 2008-09, a significant change from the current two-division format. The schedule will be reduced from 70 to 68 games, and the playoff format will also be altered.
"After taking into account club requests and a thorough analysis, I am pleased to announce that the QMJHL will harbour four divisions next season," said Courteau.
The Telus West Division will consist of the Gatineau Olympiques, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, Val-d’Or Foreurs and Montreal Juniors, who are being relocated from St. John’s, N.L.
The Drummondville Voltigeurs, Lewiston Maineiacs, Shawinigan Cataractes and Victoriaville Tigres comprise the Telus Centre Division, while the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, Chicoutimi Sagueneens, Quebec Remparts and Rimouski Oceanic will make up the Telus East Division.
The remaining six teams — the Acadie-Bathurst Titan, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, Halifax Mooseheads, Moncton Wildcats, P.E.I. Rocket and Saint John Sea Dogs — will form the Atlantic Division.
The two teams with the worst regular-season records will be left out of the playoffs, with first-round games being played between teams in the same division. Teams will then be seeded to decide second-round pairings.
