Five teams who B次元官网网址渄efectedB次元官网网址� from the Alberta Junior Hockey League have officially joined the BCHL.
The Blackfalds Bulldogs, Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders and Spruce Grove Saints have signed franchise agreements to become members of the BCHL, effective immediately.
B次元官网网址淲e are pleased to officially welcome these five franchises into the fold as members of our league,B次元官网网址� said Chris Hebb, the BCHLB次元官网网址檚 chief executive officer.
B次元官网网址淎ll 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.B次元官网网址�
The five clubs will engage in competition with each other for the remainder of the
B次元官网网址淲ith 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,B次元官网网址� said Steven Cocker, BCHL commissioner.
The leagueB次元官网网址檚 announcement comes after it was revealed on Jan. 20 B次元官网网址� just minutes before the start of all-star weekend in Penticton B次元官网网址� that the five teams would be leaving the AJHL to join the BCHL.
Games between the five squads and 11 remaining teams in the AJHL were quickly cancelled, as a result. Junior B次元官网网址楢B次元官网网址� officials in Alberta later said the clubs had B次元官网网址渄efectedB次元官网网址� from their league.
B次元官网网址淲e are disappointed B次元官网网址� but not surprised B次元官网网址� that the five defecting clubs now intend to drop out of the AJHL to immediately participate in an unsanctioned exhibition series,B次元官网网址� the AJHL said in a statement on Feb. 1. B次元官网网址淔or the past week, they have repeatedly denied any agreement with the BCHL, but todayB次元官网网址檚 admission of B次元官网网址榝inalized franchise agreements and integrationB次元官网网址� has helped clarify their true position.B次元官网网址�
The BCHLB次元官网网址檚 newest teams begin play Feb. 2, and the schedule can be viewed
Details for the post-season competition will be announced at a later date, the league said.
B次元官网网址淭his is a historic day for our franchise,B次元官网网址� said Ryan Papaioannou, the Brook BanditsB次元官网网址� head coach and general manager. B次元官网网址淎fter thorough consideration, we are confident the BCHL gives our players the best opportunity to compete at the highest level for college tracking players in Canada.B次元官网网址�
