Building the League Week 1: Why We're Doing This
March 25, 2025
When you decide to build a league from scratch, the first thing you hear is: “That’s crazy.”
The second thing? “How can I help?”
These past couple of weeks has been a whirlwind — in the best possible way. Since Hockey Nova Scotia officially confirmed the NSHL, the phones haven’t stopped buzzing. The rumour mill didn’t just get quiet — it exploded. And suddenly, it’s real.
I’ve been on CTV’s Live at 5, Global Morning Show, more radio interviews and podcasts than I can count, and featured in papers across the province:
CTV Live at 5 – NSHL Segment
Global Morning Show Interview
SaltWire Feature: “The Last Bit of Passion”
XFM Inside Sports
If you know me, you know I’m not big on the spotlight. But I’ll do it — for the fans, the players, and everyone who believes in this league.
Truth is, I’d much rather be highlighting the teams, the players, and the stories that make this game so great. And we’re getting there — fast.
The interest has been overwhelming: teams want in, players want in, and fans are hungry for senior hockey in Nova Scotia again. That says something powerful.
But behind all the buzz is a simple truth: we’re building this for the right reasons — to bring senior hockey back to communities, to create opportunities for players, and to give fans something to rally behind.
Each week, right here, I’ll take you inside the process — what’s happening, what’s working, and what we’re still figuring out. The good, the tough, and everything in between.
This is Week 1, and we’re just getting started.
– Gerard MacDonald
President, NSHL
"Building the League" drops every Wednesday.
Follow along each week as we bring the NSHL to life — one story, one update, one step at a time.
Coming next week: "Setting the Foundation" — How We’re Defining the Identity, Culture, and Standards of the NSHL
Stay updated and follow us on social media:
Website: www.thenshl.ca
Instagram: @novascotiahockeyleague
X/Twitter: @nshl_official
Facebook: @novascotiahockeyleague
TikTok: @NSHL_OFFICIAL
YouTube: @NOVASCOTIAHOCKEYLEAGUE
LinkedIn: Nova Scotia Hockey League