The Blackfalds Bulldogs celebrate a second period goal by captain Brett Meerman in the first game at the Eagle Builders Centre on Nov. 19, 2021. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

official

BC Hockey League and five Alberta teams confirm defection

Feb 1, 2024 | 1:20 PM

It’s official: five Jr. ‘A’ teams from the Alberta Junior Hockey League will migrate to the BC Hockey League (BCHL).

They include the Blackfalds Bulldogs, Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders and Spruce Grove Saints, who confirmed the move in joint statements with the BCHL Thursday.

The change is effective immediately, with the five teams competing for the remainder of the BCHL season to crown an Alberta champion.

Following the conclusion of the BCHL Playoffs, the league elaborates, there will be an opportunity for the champion from Alberta to meet the champion from B.C. in a year-end competition.

“We are pleased to officially welcome these five franchises into the fold as members of our league,” said Chris Hebb, Chief Executive Officer of the BCHL. “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.”

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Doug Quinn, owner of the Blackfalds Bulldogs, says the club is thrilled.

“The BCHL’s dedication and efforts in expediting this process in light of the AJHL decisions have not gone unnoticed and we are sincerely grateful for the commitment they have shown to ensure all our players have the opportunity to complete this season with competitive hockey,” he says.

“This swift transition in light of the AJHL’s decisions is a testament to the BCHL’s professionalism and passion for the sport. We eagerly anticipate the journey ahead and look forward to contributing our Bulldog Best to the vibrant hockey community that the BCHL represents.”

BCHL Commissioner Steven Cocker remarked about the importance of players getting to play.

“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 Cocker. “This five-team schedule and postseason will give these athletes the chance to get in a full set of games for the remainder of the year, which is the most important thing to us.”

rdnewsNOW asked the BCHL for additional information and received this response:

• On the subject of franchise fees, the BCHL says it does not disclose financial information of that nature.
• On how long this has been in the works, the BCHL says discussions have taken place over the course of a few weeks, but agreements were officially signed Jan. 31.
• On any conjecture that pre-existing BCHL teams are unhappy about the announcement, the BCHL says this is false. “Our board voted unanimously this morning to accept the five franchise agreements and integrate the Alberta teams into our league effective immediately.”
• On integration, the BCHL says next season’s schedule will see the five new teams play against the pre-existing 17 teams. Division alignment will be announced at a later date.
• On two teams having the same name (Blackfalds and Alberni Valley): It has come up, but no decisions have been made yet.

The AJHL released a statement Thursday afternoon thanking its 11 “core” teams for their commitment.

“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. 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 statement reads. “The full impact of this decision on our ongoing investigation remains to be determined, as the teams have now eliminated a route back to the AJHL for their players this season.”

The AJHL says it has a strong future, and is grateful for the support from players, coaches and fans across the country.

“We also appreciate the expressions of interest coming from various partners and stakeholders who are exploring the possibility of becoming part of our great league,” it continues.

“Our 11 core teams remain committed to our fans, committed to our communities, and committed to Alberta. We’re looking forward to an exciting finish to our 60th anniversary season – see you at the rink.”

A clarification from the league to rdnewsNOW notes that details about how the standings and playoff format will shake down, and who the prospective partners are will be shared in the coming days and weeks.

The schedule for the Alberta teams starts Friday, Feb. 2 and can be viewed here. Details for the post-season competition will be announced at a later date, the BCHL notes.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions about this decision can be found here.

READ MORE

• AJHL cancels all upcoming games between defecting and non-defecting teams
• Five AJHL teams to become members of BCHL
• Five AJHL teams deny agreements to join BCHL

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