The PJHL was formed in 2016 from the former 8 provincial leagues that previously competed in a tournament, commonly called the All-Ontario Championships, to determine the winner of the Cup.

The trophy was named in honour of Clarence "Tubby" Schmalz, an administrator from Walkerton, Ontario.

The association renamed the OHA Junior C Cup in his memory in 1982, then collaborated with Schmalz's family in the creation of a commemorative trophy case in the lobby of the Walkerton Community Centre.

The cities that competed for it: Barrie, Woodstock, Kitchener, Owen Sound, and Brantford; struggled throughout that decade to find Junior "B" leagues that suited their needs.

While waiting, these teams generally played "down" in the Junior "C" or "D" level and awaited the Super "C" playoffs.