9. Playoff Issues

Every team in the Winnipeg East League makes the playoffs. Direct entry, AAA, AA and female teams typically have to qualify for playoff positions. The first place team in each division at the end of the regular season will receive an East League banner commemorating their achievement.

In 1996/1997, rather than having separate East League and West League playoffs as a preliminary elimination round prior to the City playoff round, it has been decided that all teams will participate in an interlocking City-wide playoff.

City playoffs are the responsibility of Winnipeg Minor Hockey Association, although they are hosted in area association rinks. The S.O.M.H.A. president participates with other area presidents to determine which teams will be hosted by which areas. Since the costs for ice time and officials for city playoffs are included in W.M.H.A. registration fees, S.O.M.H.A. can request as many teams as we have ice for (and can get convenors to coordinate) since W.M.H.A. reimburses us for all expenses.

In previous years, City champions received a team banner and player medallions, while finalists (second place) received medallions.