Five teams from the Alberta Junior Hockey League will reportedly join the BCHL for the 2024/25 season, according to a release from the BCHL over the weekend. (submitted images)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

major change

Five Alberta-based teams set to join BCHL in 2024/25

Jan 22, 2024 | 10:02 AM

NANAIMO — A major change is coming to the BCHL next season.

The league announced over the weekend five teams from the neighbouring Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) would defect from the league and Hockey Canada, to join the BCHL for the 2024/2025 season.

“The teams that have committed to terms include, the Blackfalds Bulldogs, Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders and Spruce Grove Saints,” a short release from the BCHL stated on Saturday, Jan. 20.

The league added further details regarding the structure of the league would be announced in the coming weeks.

Barring further moves for teams linked to the BCHL, it increases the size of the league to 22 teams effective next season.

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Despite being rumoured for at least a few days, the move reportedly took the AJHL by surprise.

A statement from the league Saturday evening said “no official notice has been provided to the AJHL from the respective teams.”

The league continued to say they were “assessing next steps and schedule implications”.

Games involving the five teams were cancelled on Saturday and Sunday.

The next game scheduled among the departing teams includes the Okotoks Oilers on Tuesday, Jan. 23, followed by the Sherwood Park Crusaders on Wednesday, Jan. 24.

Brooks leads the AJHL standings with 39 wins from 43 games played. Sherwood Park, Okotoks and Blackfalds are in 2nd, 3rd and 4th place respectively.

Spruce Grove ranks 12th with 19 wins from their 46 games to date.

In May 2023, the BCHL announced it would leave Hockey Canada and operate as an independent league, effective June 1.

The AJHL remains under the Hockey Canada umbrella, as do its member teams.

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