Hockey Canada Faces Major Issues After More Teams Decide To Leave

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Hunter Bowman
January 21, 2024 (9:36)

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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