Junior Hockey Controversy Leads To Five Teams Being Suspended Indefinitely

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Hunter Bowman
January 20, 2024 (9:01 PM)

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In Canadian Junior Hockey, various levels shape the future of aspiring players. The prominent CHL, housing NHL draft picks, branches into three leagues: WHL, OHL, and QMJHL. Below that lies junior A, encompassing leagues like the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), which has recently made a decision with significant repercussions for the ongoing season.

AJHL Takes Drastic Action, Indefinitely Suspending Departing Teams

Five AJHL teams recently announced their departure to join the top junior A league in British Columbia, the BCHL, next year. In response, the AJHL has swiftly retaliated by indefinitely suspending these teams.

CONFIRMED: AJHL is suspending the five teams leaving - in effect immediately. Just got word that Olds and Blackfalds will not be playing tonight as Olds was told by the league to not show up to Blackfalds. I believe the Brooks- DV game will follow en suite. Will report more soon

This move implies that the affected teams might not see any further action for the remainder of the season. The suspended teams include the Brooks Bandits, Spruce Grove Saints, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders, and Blackfalds Bulldogs.

I'm hearing that 5 #AJHL teams: the Brooks Bandits, Spruce Grove Saints, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders, and Blackfalds Bulldogs have all been accepted into the #BCHL for next season.

It's worth noting that the BCHL is set to become an independent junior hockey league, splitting away from Hockey Canada next year. This shift likely enticed these AJHL teams to join the league.

However, the brunt of the league's punishment is falling on the players, impacting what could be the highest level of hockey in their careers. While it may seem harsh to strip half a season from them, it reflects the current reality of the situation.

Source: Hockeypatrol