Hockey Canada Faces Major Issues After More Teams Decide To Leave
Last summer, Hockey Canada faced a setback as the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), one of its successful leagues, decided to break away and operate independently, seeking more autonomy in shaping its future.
On Saturday, the BCHL dealt another blow to Hockey Canada by announcing that five teams from the Alberta Junior Hockey League would be joining them starting in the 2024-25 season.
"The British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) has announced that it has come to terms with five Alberta-based teams to join the league for the 2024-25 season. The teams that have committed to terms include the Blackfalds Bulldogs, Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders, and Spruce Grove Saints.
Further information, such as league structure, will be announced in the coming weeks.
There will be no further comment until more information is available."
stated the BCHL.
As per the statement, the teams joining the BCHL next season are the Blackfalds Bulldogs, Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders, and Spruce Grove Saints.
The Brooks Bandits, particularly successful during their time as a Hockey Canada affiliated team, secured the national Junior A championship, the Centennial Cup (formerly RBC Cup), four times in seven years, including 2017 with Cale Makar.
As of now, there's been no official comment from the Alberta Junior Hockey League or Hockey Canada. It's evident, though, that neither organization is pleased with this development.
In response, the AJHL took action by canceling some games on Saturday night due to the teams leaving, ultimately suspending them for the remainder of the season.
Source: Bladeofsteel
POLL |
Do you think the BCHL is making the right decision by being independent? |
Yes | 90 | 64.7 % |
No | 49 | 35.3 % |
List of polls |
|
51 minutes ago | By Axel Williams Ryan Nugent-Hopkins calls out the Oilers for their reaction to Connor McDavid's injury |
|
1 hour ago | By Axel Williams Elliotte Friedman responds after Brad Marchand calls him out for fake news |
|
2 hours ago | By Axel Williams NHL strips Kyle Connor of his hat trick and fans are very confused |
|
3 hours ago | By Axel Williams Matt Rempe speaks out following his controversial stint in the AHL |
|
4 hours ago | By Axel Williams San Jose Sharks finally get their first win after insane comeback over the Utah Hockey Club |
|
5 hours ago | By Axel Williams Oilers fans in shambles following Connor McDavid injury announcement |
|
13 hours ago | By Axel Williams Connor McDavid's injury gets a disappointing update from Kris Knoblauch |
|
15 hours ago | By Axel Williams Connor McDavid leaves game early after taking a scary fall |
Previously on HockeyUnplugged