The Blackfalds Bulldogs and four other Alberta-based Junior A hockey teams have officially joined the British Columbia Hockey League.
On Thursday, the BCHL announced the Bulldogs, Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders and Spruce Grove Saints have joined the league effective immediately.
“We are pleased to officially welcome these five franchises into the fold as members of our league,” said Chris Hebb, chief executive officer of the BCHL.
“All five are strong organizations from great communities and we look forward to the immediate boost they will give our league. We were encouraged by their belief in our model and think that adding these teams will strengthen the development of all our players.”
Doug Quinn, Blackfalds owner, said the team is “thrilled” to join the BCHL.
“The BCHL’s dedication and efforts in expediting this process in light of the AJHL decisions have not gone unnoticed and we are sincerely grateful for the commitment they have shown to ensure all our players have the opportunity to complete this season with competitive hockey,” said Quinn.
“This swift transition in light of the AJHL’s decisions is a testament to the BCHL’s professionalism and passion for the sport. We eagerly anticipate the journey ahead and look forward to contributing our Bulldog Best to the vibrant hockey community that the BCHL represents,” said Doug Quinn, Owner of the Blackfalds Bulldogs Jr A Hockey Club.”
Blackfalds’ first game as a member of the BCHL is a home matchup at the Eagle Builders Centre against Okotoks on Friday, Feb. 2. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.
The five Alberta teams had games cancelled after news broke that they would potentially be leaving the Alberta Junior Hockey League to join the BCHL.
“With the unfortunate situation the Alberta teams have faced in recent weeks with having games cancelled in their previous league, it was imperative to us to get these players back on the ice in meaningful competition,” said BCHL Commissioner Steven 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.”
The five Alberta teams will play against each other for the remainder of the season and will eventually crown an Alberta champion. Following the conclusion of the BCHL Playoffs, the champion from Alberta will meet the champion from B.C. in a year-end competition.
The schedule for the Alberta teams starts tomorrow and can be viewed on the BCHL’s website. Details for the post-season competition will be announced at a later date.
The AJHL will move forward with 11 teams, according to a statement issued on Thursday.
“We are disappointed – but not surprised – that the five defecting clubs now intend to drop out of the AJHL to immediately participate in an unsanctioned exhibition series,” the AJHL statement said.
“For the past week, they have repeatedly denied any agreement with the BCHL, but today’s admission of ‘finalized franchise agreements and integration’ has helped clarify their true position. The full impact of this decision on our ongoing investigation remains to be determined, as the teams have now eliminated a route back to the AJHL for their players this season.”
Send your news tips
Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter
