Image: Chilliwack Chiefs / File

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

five teams added

BCHL announces plans to expand to Alberta

Jan 20, 2024 | 11:47 AM

CHILLIWACK — It appears the BC Hockey League will be expanding to Alberta in time for the 2024 – 25 junior hockey season.

In a short news release Saturday (Jan. 20), the BCHL says five teams have committed to playing in the league next year. The teams are the Blackfalds Bulldogs, Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders and Spruce Grove Saints.

Brooks is one of the most successful teams in Alberta Junior Hockey League history, having won seven league championships since entering the league in 2000.

In the news release, the BCHL states the structure of the new league will be announced at a later date.

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In May 2023, The BCHL announced it was breaking ties with Hockey Canada and forming a new governance body to oversee the league.

At the time, BCHL chairman Graham Fraser said the independent league would be the start of a new era, “that will eliminate barriers and change the landscape of junior hockey in Canada.”

The BCHL operates with 17 franchises across British Columbia including the Chilliwack Chiefs.