Cuddy Shark
By John Cudmore

The target is to eventually arrive at 16, 20 or even 24 teams, drawn from the ranks of Junior A and B to provide an elite product. The aim for next season is, in fact, to start aligning the OHA's 136 teams into three categories, including what will be considered a premier division sitting atop two developmental levels.

One theory being bounced around is the transition may focus on Junior A teams for the initial season, perhaps with as few as eight or 10 teams, giving a chance for the program to find its feet before moving on to include interested and deserving members of the Junior B ranks.

It is uncertain how many teams are interested and can meet requirements for the top echelon and how many are wannabes, but not able due to a variety of issues. Some programs will grudgingly be compelled to get their heads around the template and get in line with what is being put forth by the OHA to continue competing for provincial and national championships.

One casual observation is franchises from the Central Canadian Hockey League, particularly those eight from the controversial Central Division pilot project last season, operate closer to the desired model than rivals in the Ontario Junior A Hockey League. By no means is that to suggest those eight are shoo-ins, although a few of those will surely want to participate.

For local fans wondering, the Newmarket Hurricanes are very interested and should have no trouble qualifying for the top level. The Aurora Tigers? Hmm, there's a ton of work to be done before the Tigers meet the guidelines.

An OHA-appointed committee will be charged with sorting it all out once the application deadline arrives early in the new year.

Clearly, several teams are not going to make the grade strictly on merit. Others simply don't have the off-ice structure to qualify.

A good on-ice record alone isn't going to gain a franchise entry into the upper level without adopting a newer vision for the way things must be done. Predictably, there will be the stubborn teams that fail to see the big picture and are sure to let the opportunity get away.

There will be surprises. The possibility of merging franchises could create unique partnerships. Some may disappear altogether and others won't take to the notion of playing a developmental category.

The misconception is the OHA is kicking teams out. In reality, teams interested in operating at the highest level are compelled to prove they belong and can conduct business under the terms of the Tomorrow's Game blueprint.

If Tomorrow's Game does happen, it will be interesting to see who lands where in the fallout.

Trading daze

Wonder if the Aurora Tigers players are feeling what it is like to be a cat on a hot tin roof.

The revolving door that is the entrance to the Tigers dressing room is getting quite a workout as general manager Lonnie Freeman seeks the perfect mix. Players are greeting new teammates and bidding farewell to others with great regularity.

Since the Tigers home opener, seven Tigers have been transferred. At least two more are apparently on their way out just as soon as suitable deals can be finalized for forward Derek Gregorack and defenceman Garrett Trainor.

Coaches aren't immune, either. Assistant coaches John Duncan, a holdover from last season, and rookie Brandon Mulholland were relieved earlier this week.

In the off-season, nine players from last season's roster were sold off. One of the Tigers' major flaws this season has been goal prevention, yet no less than nine defenders are among the departed.

It's little wonder the Tigers have shown to be just another team fighting to overcome inconsistency.

- Canes-Spirit charity

The Newmarket Hurricanes and Stouffville Clippers may be regional rivals on the ice, but the Central Canadian Hockey League franchises will team up Dec. 27 for charity.

It will be the Battle of York as the Junior A teams stage a benefit game at the Ray Twinney Complex with proceeds earmarked for Southlake Regional Health Centre, Bloorview Kids Foundation and the K.J. Ramolla Memorial Trust Fund.

The game also serves the memories of Kevin Lord, a former Hurricanes and Spirit player, Ramolla, who played two seasons for the Hurricanes, and Josh Sedore, the son of Newmarket assistant coach Steve Sedore, a former coach in Stouffville.

The game will be preceded by a Super 7s select game between the Newmarket Redmen and Stouffville Clippers.

In four previous charity games, the Hurricanes and opponents have helped raise more than $87,000 for charity.

Tickets are $10 and available at All Pro Source for Sports in Newmarket and Boyd's Source for Sports in Stouffville. Game time is 7:30 p.m.