BCHL scoops up orphaned AJHL teams

CHILLIWACK — The BC Hockey League (BCHL) has officially welcomed five Alberta-based teams into its ranks. The Blackfalds Bulldogs, Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders, and Spruce Grove Saints, having recently agreed to the terms of joining the BCHL, signed franchise agreements Wednesday (Jan. 31), marking their official membership in the league.

Chris Hebb, Chief Executive Officer of the BCHL, is excited about the expansion. “We are pleased to officially welcome these five franchises into the fold as members of our league. All five are strong organizations from great communities, and we look forward to the immediate boost they will give our league.”

Effective immediately, the Alberta teams will compete against each other for the remainder of the season, ultimately crowning an Alberta champion. This move comes as a response to the challenges faced by the Alberta teams in recent weeks, where games were cancelled by the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL).

BCHL Commissioner Steven Cocker says the players were suffering because of the move by the AJHL. “It was imperative to us to get these players back on the ice in meaningful competition,” said Cocker. “This five-team schedule and postseason will give these athletes the chance to get in a full set of games for the remainder of the year, which is the most important thing to us.”