‘He shoots, he scores:’ Muskoka Bears officially part of PJHL

After close to four decades of waiting, Bracebridge has a Junior C hockey team again.

Before puck drop in Stayner between the Siskins and Huntsville Otters, officials with the Bears met Terry Whitewhite, Commissioner of the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL), at centre ice to hand him a ceremonial cheque signifying the Muskoka Bears have paid the necessary fees to allow them to join the league. 

The Bears will be part of the North Carruthers Division, which includes the Otters and Siskins as well as teams in Orillia, Midland, Alliston, Penetang, and Innisfil. 

“After 40 years, we’ve finally got another junior team back in Bracebridge,” says Ken Veitch Jr., who co-founded the team with his brother Dave. 

With many months until the team hits the ice, Veitch Jr. says they will continue to look for sponsors and start to build the club’s roster. “It’s full steam ahead,” he boasts. 

There will be no love lost between the teams once the puck drops, but Veitch Jr. is complimentary of Brian Crozier and the staff with the Otters. Not only did they advocate for the team to join the PJHL, but he says they’ve been very supportive in helping the brothers as they set up the new team’s operations. “We look forward to battling them on the ice,” adds Veitch Jr. 

The team will play at the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre in Bracebridge. It’s expected the building will be ready by the summer with the Bears taking to the ice in Sept. 

“We’re looking forward to making more memories for hockey fans in Bracebridge and throughout Muskoka,” proclaims Veitch Jr.