Blazers, Contacts tee up battle for Jim McIntyre Cup
There is much more than mere bragging rights up for grabs.
The Jim McIntyre Cup will now be contested annually between the two longtime city rivals, the Saskatoon Blazers and Saskatoon Contacts, of the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League.
“I think it’s ingenious,” said Blazers head coach Scott Scissons, himself a former Contact player who finds himself on the other bench.
“It’s a competition each year, regardless of whether it’s been kept or not officially. This just puts a little something to it. The kids at school have their own bragging rights, but this puts it in the right format. Mac has put a lot of time in midget AAA hockey — lots of time — and, as you get into it, you have a better perspective of how much time is put in terms of sponsors, bingos, parents and the kids.
“It’s laborious. He does it because he loves it. It’s the proper recognition for Jim.”
The Cup is named after McIntyre, current president and governor for the Contacts. McIntyre — or “Mr. Mac” as he is known by hundreds of players — has been involved with the Contacts for more than 37 years. He is a former coach.
“It’s going to enhance what’s already there,” said Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association executive director, Kelly Boes. “It’s a great rivalry. Even if one of the teams happens to be stronger in any given year, it doesn’t seem to matter. The perceived weaker team always seems to come up for the games, anyway. Every game tends to be pretty intense.”
Boes says the SMHA wanted to recognize McIntyre for his very long-term commitment to Saskatoon hockey players who have played for the Contacts in his time with the Cs.
During McIntyre’s time with the Contacts, the team has won six provincial championships and one Telus Cup national championship.
“This is good,” Boes said Friday. “It puts a little bit more on the line for the teams and the kids and it also recognizes somebody who has been contributing to our minor hockey for many, many years. We’re pretty pumped about it.”
The Blazers and Contacts will battle four times this season. They’ll meet for the first time Friday, Oct. 12, at Rod Hamm Memorial Arena, followed by games Wednesday, Nov. 7 at Rod Hamm Memorial Arena, Thursday, Dec. 20 at Merlis Belsher Place and Thursday, Jan. 10 at Merlis Belsher Place.
“You’ve got two good programs here in the city and there has always been a competition there between the two teams — this will make it a little bit more recognized now to the public,” said Contacts head coach Marc Chartier.
“Jimmy’s been at it a long time. He’s put a lot of kids through hockey and even those who could not afford it. He’s been pretty good that way. It’s always been about the kids first. To Mr. Mac, success is developing players on and off the ice to be the best players and best citizens they can be.”
The Jim McIntyre Cup will be presented following the Jan. 10 game to the team that earns the most points in the four-game series between the teams.
The Contacts will play their firstever game at Merlis Belsher Place this Sunday at 1:45 p.m. Admission is free. Special guests will be in attendance and game-worn jerseys will be handed out to fans on a first-come, first-serve basis while quantities last.
The Saskatoon Stars Female Midget AAA team also begins a new era as they also will be playing out of Merlis Belsher Place. The Stars play their home-opener Saturday, Nov. 3 at Merlis Belsher Place.
The SMHA is the governing body for minor hockey (age 5-17) in Saskatoon and includes 3,800 players and 1,400 registered team officials.