Canadian football league
Canadian Junior Football League |
| Sport | Canadian football |
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| Founded | 1974 |
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| Commissioner | Jim Pankovich |
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| Motto | "A Canadian Tradition Since 1883" |
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| No. of teams | 19 teams, split into 3 conferences |
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| Country | Canada |
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Most recent
champion(s) | Okanagan Sun (2022) |
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| Official website | cjfl.org  |
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The Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) is a national Major Junior Canadian football league consisting of 19 teams playing in five provinces across Canada. The teams compete annually for the Canadian Bowl. Many CJFL players move on to professional football careers in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and elsewhere.
Formed May 8, 1974, the CJFL's formal mission statement is: "The Canadian Junior Football League provides the opportunity for young men aged 17 to 22 to participate in highly competitive post-high school football that is unique in Canada. The goal of the league is to foster community involvement and yield a positive environment by teaching discipline, perseverance and cooperation. The benefits of the league are strong camaraderie, national competition and life-long friends."
A handful of standout players are typically signed directly to CFL rosters each season, while U Sports permits up to two years of play in leagues such as the CJFL before a player begins to lose eligibility.
The 9-team Quebec Junior Football League was formerly part of the CJFL, but eventually withdrew and now operates independently. Meanwhile, The Ontario Football Conference (OFC) consists of two divisions: Varsity Division (ages 11 to 19) and Junior Division (ages 17 to 22).[1] While the Junior Division remains affiliated to the CJFL and its teams compete for the Canadian Bowl, the Varsity Division is operated solely by the OFC.[1]
Champions by city since 1947
Leader-Post Trophy, 1908–1973; Armadale Cup, 1974–1988; Canadian Bowl, 1989-present.
- Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - Saskatoon Hilltops 22 times - 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2007, 2003, 2002, 2001, 1996, 1991, 1985, 1978, 1969, 1968, 1959, 1958, 1953.
- Regina, Saskatchewan - 17 times, Regina Rams 16 times, 1998, 1997, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1987, 1986, 1981, 1980, 1976, 1975, 1973, 1971, 1970, 1966; Regina Thunder 1 time, 2013.
- Edmonton, Alberta - 8 times, Edmonton Huskies 2005, 2004, 1964, 1963, 1962; Edmonton Wildcats 1983, 1977, 1967.
- Hamilton, Ontario - 5 times, Hamilton Hurricanes 1972; Hamilton Jr. Tiger Cats 1951, 1950; Hamilton Jr. Wildcats 1949, 1948.
- Ottawa, Ontario - Ottawa Sooners 4 times, 1992, 1984, 1979, 1974.
- Nanaimo, British Columbia - Vancouver Island Raiders 3 times, 2009, 2008, 2006.
- Windsor, Ontario - Windsor AKO Fratmen 3 times, 1999, 1954, 1952.
- Winnipeg, Manitoba - Winnipeg Rods 3 times, 1961, 1956, 1955.
- Kelowna, British Columbia - Okanagan Sun 3 times, 2022, 2000, 1988.
- Calgary, Alberta - Calgary Colts 2 times, 1990, 1989.
- Vancouver, British Columbia - 2 times, Renfrew Trojans 1982; Vancouver Blue Bombers 1947.
- Montreal, Quebec - 2 times, Notre-Dame-de-Grace Maple Leafs 1965; Montreal Rosemount Bombers 1960.
- Toronto, Ontario - Toronto Parkdale Lions 1 time, 1957.
- Langley, British Columbia - Langley Rams 2021.
The national championship was contested from 1908 to 1946 with breaks for the World Wars and an additional break in the mid-1930s. In these years the championship was won by teams from Toronto (7 times), Montreal (6 times), Hamilton (4 times), Regina (2 times), and once each by Vancouver, Winnipeg, Calgary, Ottawa, Petrolia, St. Thomas, Woodstock, and London.
