THUNDER BAY – Instant replay is coming to the Superior International Junior Hockey League.
The junior A circuit has partnered with GameStrat Replay to provide its multi-angle, offline video review system in all seven rinks, which can be used by officials and coaches during live gameplay.
The league has not publicly stated how it plans to use instant replay moving forward, though most leagues utilizing it use it to review disputed goals and major penalties.
Each rink will be outfitted with three camera angles, overhead and both goal lines, and includes fast frame-by-frame navigation, video annotation tool and a bench-side iPad flagging system.
The system will provide officials with dependable access to instant replays, even in low connectivity rinks.
League officials say it is step forward and a way to modernize the SIJHL and its officiating tools to create a more professional and transparent game experience.
Instant replay for disputed goals was introduced in the National Hockey League in 1991, five years after the National Football League launched it for its first of six seasons, eventually returning it permanently in 1999.
The new system will allow team coaching staff to do their own independent replay and tagging system, which allows custom cut-ups and post-game video editing, and player ice-time tracking.
GaneStrat was founded by former University of Ottawa players as a tool to help give the Gee Gees a competitive edge.
League notes: It appears the Kenora Islanders will not return for the 2025-26 season. The Islanders suspended operations midway through last season and it was believed a new ownership group had been found and was prepared to the team moving forward.
