The Brooks Bandits are among the five hockey teams set to join the BC Hockey League. (Photo: Pattison Media)

By John Hall

Five Alberta teams officially joining BC Hockey League

Feb 1, 2024 | 1:46 PM

BROOKS, AB – It’s official: five Jr. ‘A’ teams from the Alberta Junior Hockey League will migrate to the BC Hockey League (BCHL).

They include the Blackfalds Bulldogs, Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders and Spruce Grove Saints, who confirmed the move in joint statements with the BCHL on Thursday, February 1, 2024.

The change is effective immediately, with the five teams competing for the remainder of the BCHL season to crown an Alberta champion.

Following the conclusion of the BCHL playoffs, the league elaborates, there will be an opportunity for the champion from Alberta to meet the champion from B.C. in a year-end competition.

“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.”

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Doug Quinn, owner of the Blackfalds Bulldogs, says the club is thrilled.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

BCHL Commissioner Steven Cocker remarked about the importance of players getting to play.

“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 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.”

Pattison Media has requested a statement from the AJHL and this story will be updated once updates are issued.

The schedule for the Alberta teams starts Friday, Feb. 2 and can be viewed here. Details for the post-season competition will be announced at a later date, the BCHL notes.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions about this decision can be found here.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

—

If you have a news tip, question or concern, please email Lethbridge.newsroom@Pattisonmedia.com.

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.