Five Alberta Hockey Teams Deny Plans to Leave AJHL, Seek to Continue Season

Five Alberta hockey teams, namely the Okotoks Oilers, Brooks Bandits, Blackfalds Bulldogs, Sherwood Park Crusaders, and Spruce Grove Saints, have publicly countered the recent announcement by the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) regarding the cancellation of games. In a joint statement published on social media, the teams clarified that they have not entered into any agreements to leave the AJHL or its affiliated organizations, such as Hockey Canada and Hockey Alberta.

The teams asserted their commitment to honoring the remainder of the 2023-24 regular season and postseason, emphasizing their standing as members in good standing in the AJHL, Canadian Junior Hockey League, Hockey Alberta, and Hockey Canada.

This statement comes after the BCHL‘s announcement last week that the five Alberta-based teams have agreed to terms to join the league for the 2024-25 season. The Okotoks Oilers had previously not commented on the matter.

Following the BCHL announcement, the AJHL responded by cancelling games involving the five teams in question, which prompted the teams to release their statement. The AJHL clarified their decision to cancel games and expressed the need to protect the competitive integrity of the AJHL and CJHL playoff system, as well as ensure player and official safety.

Consequently, the Oilers will miss ten of their final thirteen games, including five home games. The teams responded to the schedule changes by expressing their disagreement with the cancellation of AJHL games and their strong belief in the importance of their players being able to compete for the Inter Pipeline Cup.

The statement concluded by affirming the teams’ determination to find a positive resolution to the situation and return to playing hockey as soon as possible.