The five teams that the BCHL say are crossing from Alberta to play in BC are contending they have not entered any agreements with the BCHL and want to finish the scheduled AJHL season.
In a statement on Thursday, Jan. 25 the five expressed their disappointment in the current situation and believe the players and teams should be allowed to compete for the Inter Pipeline Cup.
On Friday morning, the AJHL responded to the teams’ statement saying that contradicts what the BCHL announced last weekend, where it stated that the parting AJHL teams agreed to their terms.
The AJHL is asking both the BCHL and the five Alberta teams to clarify their positions.
The AJHL concluded saying that the current scheduling decision will remain until clear intentions are provided. The 11 remaining teams including the Lloydminster Bobcats and the Bonnyville Pontiacs, among others will play out the season – with prospects of making the playoffs. This AJHL schedule will exclude the five other teams, four of which were league leaders heading into Saturday, Jan. 20 when the BCHL made its announcement.
Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Blackfalds Bulldogs, Spruce Grove Saints, and Sherwood Park Crusaders are the teams said to be leaving the AJHL for the BCHL which operates independently of Hockey BC and Hockey Canada.
Written by: Courtney Rae Shutter for MyLloydminsterNow
