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 (Twitter: @Vancan19) with files from Tanner Smith

UPDATE

AJHL cancels all upcoming games between defecting and non-defecting teams

Jan 25, 2024 | 11:13 AM

The Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) released an extended statement Thursday morning explaining some of the steps it’s taking to address the defection of five of its best teams to the BCHL.

That includes cancelling more games.

The Grande Prairie Storm’s schedule will remain unaffected this weekend, as they host Camrose for a two-game home stand on Saturday and Sunday.

However, after this weekend the Storm’s next three games will be cancelled, as they were supposed to play Sherwood Park on Thursday, February 1, Spruce Grove Friday, February 2 and Brooks on Tuesday, February 6.

The news broke late last week that the Brooks Bandits, Blackfalds Bulldogs, Spruce Grove Saints, Sherwood Park Crusaders and Okotoks Oilers would be leaving the AJHL. The BCHL said more details would be revealed in the weeks to come, and hasn’t said anything since.

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• Five AJHL teams to become members of BCHL

The AJHL, meantime, has twice cancelled batches of games involving defecting teams, over the weekend and to start this week.

Now, Alberta’s Jr. ‘A’ league says it is taking steps to protect the competitive integrity of the AJHL and CJHL playoffs, and to ensure the safety of players and officials.

“To this end, until further notice, we have cancelled all upcoming games scheduled to be played between these five defecting teams and the remaining eleven teams at the core of our league. Games previously scheduled among these eleven teams will continue as scheduled,” the league says Thursday.

“Out of respect for the players on the five defecting teams, we will allow scheduled games among these clubs to proceed.”

How any of these games will be reflected in the standings is still to be determined, the league clarifies. However, all games, even between defecting teams, are sanctioned and will be played with AJHL officials, as scheduled.

“We are working diligently with our partners – including the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada – to find a resolution to this unusual situation created by the five defecting teams and the BCHL, and will provide further updates as decisions are made,” the AJHL adds.

“The AJHL’s stated vision is to create an environment that inspires trust and confidence among our organizations, athletes, fans, partners and stakeholders. We continue to be the premier developmental league in Canada for student-athletes striving to capitalize on their athletic and academic abilities.”

AJHL officials conclude by reiterating they’re disappointed by the recent announcement, but look forward to providing fans with more exciting AJHL action in the months ahead.

None of the five defecting teams have provided any comment since the news broke.

rdnewsNOW has reached out again to the Blackfalds Bulldogs for comment, and will update this story if we hear back from them or any other parties.

A full AJHL schedule, keeping in mind it may not reflect all cancellations, is here.

Statement from the SJHL this week

How any of these games will be reflected in the standings is still to be determined, the league clarifies. However, all games, even between defecting teams, are sanctioned and will be played with AJHL officials, as scheduled.

“We are working diligently with our partners – including the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada – to find a resolution to this unusual situation created by the five defecting teams and the BCHL, and will provide further updates as decisions are made,” the AJHL adds.

“The AJHL’s stated vision is to create an environment that inspires trust and confidence among our organizations, athletes, fans, partners and stakeholders. We continue to be the premier developmental league in Canada for student-athletes striving to capitalize on their athletic and academic abilities.”

AJHL officials conclude by reiterating they’re disappointed by the recent announcement, but look forward to providing fans with more exciting AJHL action in the months ahead.

None of the five defecting teams have provided any comment since the news broke.

rdnewsNOW has reached out again to the Blackfalds Bulldogs for comment, and will update this story if we hear back from them or any other parties.

A full AJHL schedule, keeping in mind it may not reflect all cancellations, is here.