The GCHL is not a league steeped in history. But as time goes on, it gets deeper. We started out in Jan of 97 with 13 teams. The core of the members were from a Strat-o-matic league we played in in Saskatoon, while we were going to University of Saskatchewan. We found APBA hockey, and thought it would be a tremendous opportunity for those of us scattered all over Canada to keep in touch. To fill the remaining gm positions, we recruited via the internet, and came up with a really solid group of guys. Each of the 13 teams were a combination of 2 NHL teams. #1 was combined with #28, #2 with 27, etc.

Season 1 wrapped up with Saigon taking the Cup with a 4-2 Series win over the Edmonton Winter Hawks. And now he have another year of Yzerman on the front page!!!

Season 2 began in mid September 1997, with expansion thinning out the rosters. 3 teams were added, and we hoped they would be competative right away. Despite holding what we thought would be a fair expansion draft, the expansion teams struggled. They are a bit too old, and a bit to weak to play with the top teams, and we will have to make some better players available to them next year. The season closed off late in July with Prince Albert (now the Yukon Jacks) taking the finals in 7 games over the Saigon Seals. The Seals had big upset wins over Minnesota (now the Raleigh Storm) and Saskatoon to get to the finals. The Dodes took a tougher route, going to 5 with Melbourne, then being stretched to the limit by the Grand Forks Rivermen.

Season 3 began in September, 1998. Saskatoon made some late season trades, then swept their way to the finals. Then, they faced off against the intimidating Grand Forks club. After Annapolis and Redlands had fought the tough fight, Grand Forks was a little battered. Billington held the fort while Saskatoon took their first title. Looks like we will have to endure some pics of the Great One. And then Saskatoon promptly released Billington. Sounds like the Berries need lessons in loyalty!

Season 4 began in September, 1999. The season was quite unremarkable until late in the season. Derek King in Fargo had the best overacheiving season in the history of the GCHL. I can't believe that he was able to score 40+!! New GM's injected pretty spectacular trading frenzy. Saskatoon posted the best regular season record, and were poised to be the first 2 time winners in the GCHL. East Lyme looked strong as well, and the Berries struggled against Saigon in round 1. And with Annapolis, Redlands and Grand Forks battling on the other side, this was the most competative playoffs yet. East Lyme upset the champs in Round 2, and Redlands rolled over Edmonton and Annapolis on their way to the final. Redlands roll towards their first championship ended there. East Lyme's depth at center and in the nets brought a the tightest playoff race to an end, and the cup home to East Lyme.