OLDS — The Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) has reacted to Thursday's announcement that five of its teams have signed franchise agreements and are now members of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) as of Jan. 31.
The BCHL announced those agreements with the Blackfalds Bulldogs, Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders and Spruce Grove Saints in a Feb. 1 statement.
The BCHL said those teams will now play each other under the BCHL going forward, starting Feb. 2.
Its message added that once an AJHL champion has been crowned and a BCHL champion has been determined, “there will be an opportunity for the champion from Alberta to meet the champion from B.C. in a year-end competition.”
That same day, the AJHL reacted to that announcement with a statement.
“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 statement said.
“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 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.”
Despite the five teams’ decision to bolt to the BCHL, the AJHL said it remains a strong league.
The 11 remaining teams were thanked for their support and the AJHL indicated it may even gain some more teams as a result of all these moves.
“We are grateful for the messages of support our players and coaches have received from hockey fans across the country over the past week,” the AJHL statement said.
“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.
“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.”
