A Message from the Klevr Super League

---

Dear Parents, 

Our Klevr Super League (the "KSL") team hopes this message finds all of you well. We are writing in response to an email distributed by a local minor league hockey club president. While KSL is not directly mentioned, we are concerned that it implies and tries to suggest inaccurate, misleading, exaggerated, and false information to parents and players about KSL. 

"Our goal for the KSL is to provide opportunities for competitive U9, U8, and U7 players across Ontario and beyond to play, compete, and develop at the highest level." 

Recruiting Players 

The product the KSL provides is built to be good enough so that families may choose it. We are not actively engaged in any "recruiting" away from other leagues. We market our product effectively, answer our phone, reply to our emails, and provide families and coaches with the required details so they can make an informed decision. 

Health + Safety 

The KSL has partnerships with up-to-date ice facilities to ensure safety in our competitive environment. Safety will be at the forefront of our league play and our decision making. Parents, staff and players who will not be adhering to our safety focus will be asked to leave the KSL immediately. 

To participate in the KSL, all personnel are required to have verified and proven credentials and a criminal reference check. 

As an additional safety measure, the KSL is working with an advisor team to develop a multi-tiered reporting system for any player or family member to report any allegation of maltreatment. At the KSL, there is zero tolerance for any forms of bullying, harassment, or hate among parents and players alike. 

Insurance

The KSL has never stated that it is insured by Hockey Canada. However, the KSL is fully insured to conduct hockey operations. In addition, each member of the KSL is required to obtain their own insurance. 

Ice Access

The KSL has secured ice for the entirety of the upcoming 2023/24 season. We thank our arena partners for their valuable contributions. 

Showcase format: 2 games Friday, 2 games Saturday, and 1 game Sunday. The week days are utilized for development. 

Leadership

Kris Versteeg
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the KSL. Two-time Stanley Cup champion and 11 year NHL veteran 

Since retiring, Kris has committed himself to youth sport through the development of the Klevr App, the Klevr Network and the establishment of the Klevr Young Kings, a private development program in the Durham area. Kris does not claim to have all the answers, but has surrounded himself with advisors and those who have a proven track record in managing youth hockey players and leagues. 

Jamie Stone
Co-Founder and President of the KSL, has been an elementary school principal for 16 years. Jamie has been coaching and managing team sports (including hockey) for over two decades. Further, he has successfully operated leagues and development programs over the same duration of time 

"We are confident in our direction, our vision, and our team to become the premier hockey development program in the province of Ontario."

Eligibility 

Hockey Canada/US Hockey/IIHF Sanctioned Tournaments or Exhibition

In the spirit of transparency, all participants and their families are made aware of the reality that if they participate in the KSL, they will not be able to play in other tournaments or games. Frankly, many of our participants no longer desire to play in Hockey Canada events as our competitive infrastructure is more suitable for them. We are providing an alternative to minor hockey programming, and have always been forthcoming about that vision. Further, we have national and international partners ready to host our members abroad and have expressed a desire to travel to play against our members. The opportunities for the youth to play are vast. 

Cost Info

The goal of the KSL is to be affordable for all players who wish to participate. Registration costs vary throughout the province. However, in each instance, our costs align with the cost of similar programming in a specific area. 

We mandate that any child who is capable of playing in the KSL and wishes to do so, will not be held back for financial reasons. We are there for support. 

"Parents should have the opportunity to make a decision on who they trust with the development of their child. The KSL has a group of individuals with the necessary skills, background, and experience to run an effective and safe hockey program." 

Return to Hockey Canada Sanctioned Programming

The KSL Has numerous players and coaches who have participated in hockey programs unaffiliated with Hockey Canada and have subsequently returned to sanctioned hockey. If a child misses a season because they want to ski instead, or because of health issues, we are not aware of any instance of them being restricted from returning to play in Hockey Canada sanctioned leagues and events. Hockey associations must stop intimidating parents and children by threatening that they are going to be "punished" for making a decision that is best for players and their families.