After weeks of uncertainty, the five teams leaving the AJHL will begin play in their new league Friday night.
The Blackfalds Bulldogs, Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders, and Spruce Grove Saints agreed to terms with the BCHL in January with the intent of joining the league in 2024-25.
The AJHL responded by canceling all games between the five defecting teams and the 11 remaining teams – including the Fort McMurray Oil Barons – while the league continued to evaluate the situation.
In a statement issued Thursday, the BCHL says all five defecting teams have signed franchise agreements, and are now members of the BCHL, effective January 31. The five teams from Alberta will continue to compete amongst themselves, and following the conclusion of the BCHL playoffs, the league champion will take on the champion from Alberta for a year-end competition.
The first games of the new five-team playdown see Blackfalds host Okotoks and Spruce Grove entertain Sherwood Park.
The Alberta Junior Hockey League has issued a statement on the matter.
In 2021, the BCHL officially withdrew its membership from the CJHL. In 2023, the league rejected to renew its agreement with Hockey Canada, becoming an independent league.
Among the reasons for the BCHL’s departure included recruiting players under the age of 18 from outside of BC Hockey’s territorial jurisdiction (including U.S. and European players).
