View source for Canadian Junior Football League

{{Short description|Canadian football league}}
{{redirect|CJFL|the Canadian radio station|CJFL-FM}}
{{Infobox sports league
| title                = Canadian Junior Football League
| current_season       = 2024
| current_season2      =
| last_season          =
| upcoming_season      =
| logo                 = CJFL logo.jpg
| caption              = Official logo (2021)
| pixels               = 200px
| sport                = [[Canadian football]]
| founded              = 1974
| Commissioner         = Jim Pankovich
| teams                = 19 teams
| divisions	           = 3
| country              = [[Canada]]
| champions            = [[Saskatoon Hilltops]]
| most successful club = [[Saskatoon Hilltops]]
| champ_season         = 2023
| domestic_cup         = Canadian Bowl
| website              = {{official URL}}
| TV                   =
}}
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).<ref name="OFC History">{{cite web |url=http://ofcvarsity.com/ofc-history/ |title=OFC History |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=OFCVarsity.com |publisher=Ontario Football Conference |access-date=April 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151207085403/http://ofcvarsity.com/ofc-history/# |archive-date=December 7, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 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.<ref name="OFC History"/>
== Teams ==
The CJFL has 19 teams as of 2024, including 7 in the B.C. conference, 6 in the Prairie conference, and 6 in the Ontario conference.
{{Alternating rows table|class=wikitable sortable}}
|+ style="background-color:#F2922000; border-top:#052945 5px solid; border-bottom:#052945 5px solid|B.C. conference
! style=width:10em | Team
! style=width:10em | City
! style=width:10em | Stadium
! style=width:3em  | Founded
|-
|[[Kamloops Broncos]]
|[[Kamloops, British Columbia]]
|[[Hillside Stadium]]
| align="center"|2007
|-
|[[Langley Rams]]
|[[Langley, British Columbia (city)|Langley, British Columbia]]
|McLeod Stadium
| align="center"|1948
|-
|[[Okanagan Sun]]
|[[Kelowna, British Columbia]]
|[[Apple Bowl]]
| align="center"|1980
|-
|[[Prince George Kodiaks]]
|[[Prince George, British Columbia]]
|Masich Place Stadium
| align="center"|2022
|-
|[[Valley Huskers]]
|[[Chilliwack, British Columbia]]
|[[Exhibition Stadium (Chilliwack) | Exhibition Stadium]]
| align="center"|1999
|-
|[[Vancouver Island Raiders]]
|[[Nanaimo, British Columbia]]
|NDSS Field
| align="center"|2005
|-
|[[Westshore Rebels]]
|[[Langford, British Columbia]]
|[[Starlight Stadium]]
| align="center"|1971
|-
{{end}}
{{Alternating rows table|class=wikitable sortable}}
|+ style="background-color:#F2922000; border-top:#196634 5px solid; border-bottom:#196634 5px solid|Prairie conference
! style=width:10em | Team
! style=width:10em | City
! style=width:10em | Stadium
! style=width:3em  | Founded
|-
|[[Calgary Colts]]
|[[Calgary, Alberta]]
|Shouldice Athletic Park
| align="center"|1967
|-
|[[Edmonton Huskies]]
|[[Edmonton, Alberta]]
|Jasper Place Bowl
| align="center"|1954
|-
|[[Edmonton Wildcats]]
|[[Sherwood Park, Alberta]]
|Emerald Hills Sports Pavilion
| align="center"|1948
|-
|[[Regina Thunder]]
|[[Regina, Saskatchewan]]
|[[Mosaic Stadium]]
| align="center"|1999
|-
|[[Saskatoon Hilltops]]
|[[Saskatoon, Saskatchewan]]
|[[Saskatoon Minor Football Field|SMF Field]]
| align="center"|1947
|-
|[[Winnipeg Rifles]]
|[[Winnipeg, Manitoba]]
|[[Maple Grove Park]]
| align="center"|1999
|-
{{end}}
{{Alternating rows table|class=wikitable sortable}}
|+ style="background-color:#F2922000; border-top:#B21D2F 5px solid; border-bottom:#B21D2F 5px solid|Ontario conference
! style=width:10em | Team
! style=width:10em | City
! style=width:10em | Stadium
! style=width:3em  | Founded
|-
| [[GTA Grizzlies]]
| [[Toronto, Ontario]]
| [[Centennial Park Stadium]]
| align="center"|2014
|-
|[[Hamilton Hurricanes]]
|[[Hamilton, Ontario]]
|[[Tim Hortons Field]]
| align="center"|1963
|-
|[[London Beefeaters]]
|[[London, Ontario]]
|City Wide Sports Complex
| align="center"|1975
|-
|[[Quinte Skyhawks]]
|[[Belleville, Ontario]]
|Mary Ann Sills Park
| align="center"|2021
|-
|[[Ottawa Sooners]]
|[[Ottawa, Ontario]]
|[[Keith Harris Stadium]]
| align="center"|1960
|-
|[[St. Clair Saints (football)|St. Clair Saints]]
|[[Windsor, Ontario]]
|Acumen Stadium
| align="center"|1929
|-
{{end}}
=== League map ===
{{Location map+|Canada|width=600|float=left
|alt=CJFL 2024
|caption=[[File:Blue pog.svg|8px]] B.C. Football Conference<br>[[File:Green pog.svg|8px]] Prairie Football Conference<br>[[File:Red pog.svg|8px]] Ontario Football Conference<br>[[File:Gray pog.svg|8px]] Future expansion
|places=
{{Location map~|Canada|lat= 50.669628 |long= -120.367096  |mark = blue pog.svg   |label_size=75   |position = bottom  |label= [[Kamloops Broncos|Broncos]]}}
{{Location map~|Canada|lat= 49.106273 |long= -122.627455  |mark = blue pog.svg   |label_size=75   |position = top  |label= [[Langley Rams|Rams]]}}
{{Location map~|Canada|lat= 49.886610 |long= -119.458457  |mark = blue pog.svg   |label_size=75   |position = bottom  |label= [[Okanagan Sun|Sun]]}}
{{Location map~|Canada|lat= 53.903780 |long= -122.775074  |mark = blue pog.svg   |label_size=75   |position = bottom  |label= [[Prince George Kodiaks|Kodiaks]]}}
{{Location map~|Canada|lat= 49.170606 |long= -121.967273  |mark = blue pog.svg   |label_size=75   |position = bottom  |label= [[Valley Huskers|Huskers]]}}
{{Location map~|Canada|lat= 49.160307 |long= -123.965444  |mark = blue pog.svg   |label_size=75   |position = left  |label= [[Vancouver Island Raiders|Raiders]]}}
{{Location map~|Canada|lat= 48.443068 |long= -123.523646  |mark = blue pog.svg   |label_size=75   |position = bottom  |label= [[Westshore Rebels|Rebels]]}}
{{Location map~|Canada|lat= 52.108317 |long= -106.698015  |mark = green pog.svg |label_size=75   |position = bottom |label= [[Saskatoon Hilltops|Hilltops]]}}
{{Location map~|Canada|lat= 50.450481 |long= -104.633175  |mark = green pog.svg |label_size=75   |position = bottom |label= [[Regina Thunder|Thunder]]}}
{{Location map~|Canada|lat= 49.791119 |long= -97.125154  |mark = green pog.svg |label_size=75   |position = bottom |label= [[Winnipeg Rifles|Rifles]]}}
{{Location map~|Canada|lat= 51.071505 |long= -114.170440  |mark = green pog.svg |label_size=75   |position = bottom |label= [[Calgary Colts|Colts]]}}
{{Location map~|Canada|lat= 53.527749 |long= -113.605973  |mark = green pog.svg |label_size=75   |position = left |label= [[Edmonton Huskies|Huskies]]}}
{{Location map~|Canada|lat= 53.564981 |long= -113.287257  |mark = green pog.svg |label_size=75   |position = right |label= [[Edmonton Wildcats|Wildcats]]}}
{{Location map~|Canada|lat= 43.653754 |long= -79.584510 |mark = red pog.svg |label_size=75   |position = left |label= [[GTA Grizzlies|Grizzlies]]}}
{{Location map~|Canada|lat= 43.252042 |long= -79.830229 |mark = red pog.svg |label_size=75   |position = left |label= [[Hamilton Hurricanes|Hurricanes]]}}
{{Location map~|Canada|lat= 44.154708 |long= -77.405819 |mark = red pog.svg |label_size=75   |position = left |label= [[Quinte Skyhawks|Skyhawks]]}}
{{Location map~|Canada|lat= 42.965019 |long= -81.178360 |mark = red pog.svg |label_size=75   |position = left |label= [[London Beefeaters|Beefeaters]]}}
{{Location map~|Canada|lat= 45.388615 |long= -75.694115 |mark = red pog.svg |label_size=75   |position = left |label= [[Ottawa Sooners|Sooners]]}}
{{Location map~|Canada|lat= 42.244647 |long= -83.017662 |mark = red pog.svg |label_size=75   |position = left |label= [[St. Clair Saints|Saints]]}}
{{Location map~|Canada|lat= 46.540641 |long= -84.332614 |mark = gray pog.svg |label_size=75   |position = right |label=
[[Sault College Cougars|Cougars]]}}
}}
{{clear}}
=== Future expansion ===
The [[Sault College Cougars]] are expected to debut as an expansion team in the Ontario Conference in the 2025 CJHL season.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McDonald |first1=Mike |title=Sault College football expands into the CJFL |url=https://northernontario.ctvnews.ca/sault-college-football-expands-into-the-cjfl-1.6666819 |access-date=4 August 2024 |work=CTV News Northern Ontario |publisher=Bell Media |date=29 November 2023 |language=en}}</ref> The team will be based in [[Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario]], and operated by [[Sault College]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Russon |first1=Randy |title=Football will be the latest varsity sport at the Sault College |url=https://www.saultthisweek.com/sports/local-sports/football-will-be-the-latest-varsity-sport-at-the-sault-college |access-date=4 August 2024 |work=Sault This Week |publisher=Postmedia |date=5 December 2023}}</ref> A proposed expansion franchise for [[Lethbridge, Alberta]], in the Prairie Conference was rejected by the league in 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Opinko |first1=David |title=Lethbridge Vipers denied for Canadian Junior Football League expansion |url=https://lethbridgenewsnow.com/2023/03/29/lethbridge-vipers-denied-for-canadian-junior-football-league-expansion/ |access-date=4 August 2024 |work=Lethbridge News Now |publisher=Pattison Media |date=29 March 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
=== Defunct teams ===
[[File:CJFL Logo.png|thumb|Former CJFL logo in use until 2021]]
{{div col|small=yes|colwidth=10em}}
*[[Abbotsford Air Force]] 1987–2006 ([[Abbotsford, British Columbia|Abbotsford]], B.C.)
*[[Brampton Bears]] 2009–2011 [[Brampton]], Ontario)
*[[Brampton Satellites]] ([[Brampton]], Ontario)
*[[Brantford Bisons]] ([[Brantford]], Ontario)
*[[Burlington Braves]], [[Burlington, Ontario]])
*[[Burnaby Spartans]] 1956–1973 ([[Burnaby]], B.C.)
*[[Calgary Mohawks]] ([[Calgary]], Alberta)
*[[Calgary Cougars]] ([[Calgary]], Alberta)
*[[Chateauguay Raiders]] ([[Châteauguay]], Quebec)
*[[Cornwall Emards]] ([[Cornwall, Ontario]])
*[[Fort Garry Lions]] ([[Winnipeg]], Manitoba)
*[[Grand River Predators]] ([[Kitchener, Ontario]])
*[[GTA Bears]] 2012–2013, [[Brampton]], Ontario)
*[[Laval Scorpions]] ([[Laval, Quebec]])
*[[Niagara Raiders]] ([[St. Catharines]], Ontario)
*[[North Shore Lions]] 1947–1954 ([[North Vancouver (City and District)]], B.C.)
*[[North Shore Cougars]] 1955–1980 ([[North Vancouver (City and District)]], B.C.)
*[[Notre-Dame-de-Grace Maple Leafs]] ([[Montreal]], Quebec, merged with the Verdun Invictus, renamed to the Verdun Maple Leafs, then the Montreal Junior Alouettes, and finally the Montreal Junior Concordes)
*[[Oshawa Hawkeyes]] ([[Oshawa]], Ontario)
*[[Ottawa Junior Riders]] moved back to the QJFL after 2005) ([[Ottawa]], Ontario)
*[[Quebec City Citadelles]], [[Quebec City]], Quebec)
*[[Red Deer Packers]] ([[Red Deer]], Alberta)
*[[Renfrew Trojans]] 1974–1993 (1994–2009 as the Vancouver Trojans) ([[Vancouver]], B.C.)
*[[Medicine Hat Rattlers]] ([[Medicine Hat]], Alberta
*[[Regina Rams]] 1954–1999 (moved to the [[Canadian Interuniversity Sport|CIS]]) ([[Regina, Saskatchewan]])
*[[Richmond Raiders]] 1973–1992 [[Richmond, British Columbia|Richmond]], B.C.)
*[[Rosemount Bombers]] ([[Montreal]], Quebec)
*[[Sault Ste. Marie Storm]] ([[Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario|Sault Ste. Marie]]), Quebec)
*[[Sherbrooke Blitz]], ([[Sherbrooke]], Quebec)
*[[South Shore Cobras]], ([[St-Hubert]], Quebec)
*[[St. Hubert Rebelles]] ([[Saint-Hubert, Quebec|Saint-Hubert]]), Quebec)
*[[St. Leonard Cougars]] ([[Montreal]], Quebec)
*[[St. Vital Mustangs]] ([[Winnipeg]], Manitoba)
*[[Thunder Bay Giants]] ([[Thunder Bay]], Ontario)
*[[Toronto Junior Argonauts]], ([[Toronto]], Ontario)
*[[Tri-City Bulldogs]] 1991–2004 (Formed from the Vancouver Meralomas) [[Coquitlam]], B.C.)
*[[Vancouver Blue Bombers]] 1947–1977 ([[Vancouver]], B.C.)
*[[Vancouver Meralomas]] 1931–1990 ([[Vancouver]], B.C.)
*[[Verdun Shamcats]] ([[Verdun]], Quebec)
*[[Ville-Émard Juveniles]] ([[Ville-Émard]], Quebec)
*[[Winnipeg Hawkeyes]] ([[Winnipeg]], Manitoba)
*[[Winnipeg Rods]] ([[Winnipeg]], Manitoba)
{{div col end}}
== Championships ==
The [[Saskatoon Hilltops]] have won the most national championships since 1974 with 18, followed by the [[Regina Rams]] with 11, and the [[Ottawa Sooners]] with 4. The national championship is known as the Canadian Bowl. Prior to 1989, league champions were awarded the Armadale Cup. The Leader Post Trophy was awarded under the auspices of the [[Canadian Amateur Football Association]] from 1925 through 1973.
=== Canadian Bowl ===
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* 2024 – Windsor St. Clair Saints
* 2023 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 2022 – Okanagan Sun
* 2021 – Langley Rams
* 2020 – Not awarded
* 2019 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 2018 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 2017 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 2016 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 2015 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 2014 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 2013 – Regina Thunder
* 2012 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 2011 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 2010 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 2009 – Vancouver Island Raiders
* 2008 – Vancouver Island Raiders
* 2007 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 2006 – Vancouver Island Raiders
* 2005 – Edmonton Huskies
* 2004 – Edmonton Huskies
* 2003 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 2002 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 2001 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 2000 – Okanagan Sun
* 1999 – Windsor AKO Fratmen
* 1998 – Regina Rams
* 1997 – Regina Rams
* 1996 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 1995 – Regina Rams
* 1994 – Regina Rams
* 1993 – Regina Rams
* 1992 – Ottawa Sooners
* 1991 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 1990 – Calgary Colts
* 1989 – Calgary Colts
{{div col end}}
=== Armadale Cup (1974–1988) ===
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* 1988 – Okanagan Sun
* 1987 – Regina Rams
* 1986 – Regina Rams
* 1985 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 1984 – Ottawa Sooners
* 1983 – Edmonton Wildcats
* 1982 – Renfrew Trojans
* 1981 – Regina Rams
* 1980 – Regina Rams
* 1979 – Ottawa Sooners
* 1978 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 1977 – Edmonton Wildcats
* 1976 – Regina Rams
* 1975 – Regina Rams
* 1974 – Ottawa Sooners
{{div col end}}
=== Leader-Post Trophy ===
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* 1973 – Regina Rams
* 1972 – Hamilton Hurricanes
* 1971 – Regina Rams
* 1970 – Regina Rams
* 1969 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 1968 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 1967 – Edmonton Wildcats
* 1966 – Regina Rams
* 1965 – Notre-Dame-de-Grace Maple Leafs
* 1964 – Edmonton Huskies
* 1963 – Edmonton Huskies
* 1962 – Edmonton Huskies
* 1961 – Winnipeg Rods
* 1960 – Montreal Rosemount Bombers
* 1959 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 1958 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 1957 – Toronto Parkdale Lions
* 1956 – Winnipeg Rods
* 1955 – Winnipeg Rods
* 1954 – Windsor AKO Fratmen
* 1953 – Saskatoon Hilltops
* 1952 – Windsor AKO Fratmen
* 1951 – Hamilton Jr. Tiger Cats
* 1950 – Hamilton Jr. Tiger Cats
* 1949 – Hamilton Jr. Wildcats
* 1948 – Hamilton Jr. Wildcats
* 1947 – Vancouver Blue Bombers
* 1925 – Montreal AAA
{{div col end}}
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
* {{official website}}
{{Canadian Junior Football League}}
{{Amateur gridiron football leagues in Canada}}
[[Category:Canadian Junior Football League]]
[[Category:Canadian football leagues]]
[[Category:Sports leagues established in 1974]]
[[Category:1974 establishments in Canada]]