Five teams who “defected” from the Alberta Junior Hockey League have officially joined the BCHL.
The Blackfalds Bulldogs, Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders and Spruce Grove Saints have signed franchise agreements to become members of the BCHL, effective immediately.
“We are pleased to officially welcome these five franchises into the fold as members of our league,” said Chris Hebb, the BCHL’s chief executive officer.
“All five are strong organizations from great communities and we look forward to the immediate boost they will give our league. We were encouraged by their belief in our model and think that adding these teams will strengthen the development of all our players.”
The five clubs will engage in competition with each other for the remainder of the
“With the unfortunate situation the Alberta teams have faced in recent weeks with having games cancelled in their previous league, it was imperative to us to get these players back on the ice in meaningful competition,” said Steven Cocker, BCHL commissioner.
The league’s announcement comes after it was revealed on Jan. 20 — just minutes before the start of all-star weekend in Penticton — that the five teams would be leaving the AJHL to join the BCHL.
Games between the five squads and 11 remaining teams in the AJHL were quickly cancelled, as a result. Junior ‘A’ officials in Alberta later said the clubs had “defected” from their league.
“We are disappointed — but not surprised — that the five defecting clubs now intend to drop out of the AJHL to immediately participate in an unsanctioned exhibition series,” the AJHL said in a statement on Feb. 1. “For the past week, they have repeatedly denied any agreement with the BCHL, but today’s admission of ‘finalized franchise agreements and integration’ has helped clarify their true position.”
The BCHL’s newest teams begin play Feb. 2, and the schedule can be viewed here.
Details for the post-season competition will be announced at a later date, the league said.
“This is a historic day for our franchise,” said Ryan Papaioannou, the Brook Bandits’ head coach and general manager. “After thorough consideration, we are confident the BCHL gives our players the best opportunity to compete at the highest level for college tracking players in Canada.”
READ MORE: Alberta hockey league cancels multiple games after 5 teams defect to BCHL