June 16, 2004 marked the beginning of the official acceptance of the Manitoba Women’s Junior Hockey League into Hockey Manitoba. We are now entering our 13th year as an official league in Canada.

Two people were key to this creation and that is Randy Dalton, an official in the Winnipeg Women’s High School Hockey League and myself, Kirk Kuppers, who were both believers in the league and knew that there were several players in Winnipeg and outside the city that wanted to continue to play the game.

For all of us including all the original players the passion for the game was second to none and there was a strong need for an age group of 18-21 years of age.
A news conference followed at the Winnipeg Winter Club (a great host and supporter) and a “star” was born – The MWJHL. Our league was christened there Thursday October 21, 2004.

The original five teams were the South East Ice, Winnipeg Rage, Western Predators, Manitoba Blizzard and the Northern Stars.

Our goal and mission statement was to create a female Junior aged (U21) competitive and developmental hockey league in Manitoba for graduates of both Midget and High School players. We adopted criteria of our own and established a bona fide Junior female concept and model. We continue to this day with 7 teams and growing steadily.

One must recognize every volunteer participant through the years that served as Executive members, Coaches, Assistant Coaches and Managers, Officials Coordinator and other appointed volunteer leaders that worked to guide the league and no one can appreciate more the players and their families, friends, fans and sponsors for their support. Thank you.