Introduction
The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is the governing body for Major Junior Hockey (formerly known as Tier One Junior A) in Canada. The CHL currently oversees the Western Hockey League (WHL), the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), with the OHL and WHL having teams in both Canada and the United States. Each league plays individual regular season schedules, and playoffs. The annual CHL championship is determined by the Memorial Cup tournament held in May.
Differences in styles of play can be identified from the three leagues. In recent history, the WHL has been known for a much grittier, east-west style of hockey, producing heavy hitting and defensively sound defensemen as well as strong goaltenders. The QMJHL is typically known for a much faster, wide open and offensive north-south style of play, producing many offensively gifted forwards and puck rushing defensemen but much fewer professional-material goalies. The OHL has tended to be a moderate combination of both styles and is commonly commended with producing an assortment of professional-ready players and goalies. The OHL also owns a reputation for producing the most complete players, skill and maturity-wise compared to the WHL and QMJHL.
More than half the players in the National Hockey League for the 2005–06 NHL season had played in the CHL. The CHL is generally considered the world's top professional development junior hockey league. It is a key supplier of new players and officials for the many North American professional hockey leagues, such as the National Hockey League, American Hockey League, ECHL, and the Central Hockey League. Many CHL players also opt for Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS).
The CHL also seeks to raise the profile of the junior game by hosting annual events such as the Memorial Cup, the CHL Top Prospects Game and the Subway Super Series. The organization also provides many scholarships and bursaries for its players who exemplify extraordinary efforts and community involvement. These programs are supported by the many corporate sponsors.
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