5 Alberta hockey teams exiled by AJHL oppose league’s punishment

However, the AJHL said it 'is aware of the contradictory statements coming from the BCHL and five defecting clubs.'

An unjustified and heavy-handed response.

Mincing no words, the five teams heavily punished by the Alberta Junior Hockey League this week following news they were allegedly leaving for the BCHL issued a group statement after having their season schedules seriously altered.

On Thursday, the AJHL all but exiled the five teams — the Blackfalds Bulldogs, Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders and Spruce Grove Saints — by cutting off access to the rest of the league.

The AJHL said the five teams were free to play games, but only against each other and not against the league’s remaining 11 teams.

In response, the five teams said in their statement that they do not agree with the AJHL’s decision.

“Our five teams remain members in good standing of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, Canadian Junior Hockey League, Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada,” reads the statement.

That’s true.

However, last Friday, rumours began swirling that the five were looking westward towards British Columbia. And on Saturday, the BCHL issued a statement saying “it has come to terms with five Alberta-based teams to join the league for the 2024-25 season.”