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Canadian Junior League Releases Statement On The 100 Player Suspension
Amidst the uproar surrounding the news that five teams from the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) were ditching ship to join the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) next season, an updated statement from the AJHL has left everyone scratching their heads.
The bombshell dropped last week when it was revealed that five teams were making the leap to the BCHL for the 2024-25 season. The AJHL claims they first heard about it through the BCHL's announcement, prompting them to call off games involving these teams.
In a statement released on Monday, the AJHL clarified that, despite canceling games and future matchups for the departing teams, they insist that no suspensions are in place.
"The Alberta Junior Hockey League continues to operate as a member of the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) and has not suspended any of its 16 member teams. All games played have been league sanctioned, under the
management of AJHL game officials, and recorded in the League standings.
The following games have been canceled for the originally
scheduled dates:
- January 23: Canmore Eagles @ Okotoks Oilers
- January 24: Sherwood Park Crusaders@ Camrose Kodiaks
- January 24: Spruce Grove Saints @ Lloydminster Bobcats
The AJHL will continue to assess next steps and schedule
implications."
management of AJHL game officials, and recorded in the League standings.
The following games have been canceled for the originally
scheduled dates:
- January 23: Canmore Eagles @ Okotoks Oilers
- January 24: Sherwood Park Crusaders@ Camrose Kodiaks
- January 24: Spruce Grove Saints @ Lloydminster Bobcats
The AJHL will continue to assess next steps and schedule
implications."
The AJHL went on to list canceled games but assured that the league remains functional, concluding with an acknowledgment of ongoing assessments.
Cancelling games, keeping records, and denying suspensions may seem contradictory. The AJHL's handling of the situation appears chaotic, raising eyebrows and suggesting a sense of panic.
The reason behind the teams' departure lies in the BCHL's independent status, allowing recruitment of younger players from various provinces—a move not permitted by the AJHL, a Hockey Canada member. The BCHL's growing popularity further sweetens the deal for these departing teams.
Source: Bladeofsteel
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 23 | 105 ANSWERS Canadian Junior League Releases Statement On The 100 Player Suspension Should the five AJHL teams moving to the BCHL face suspension for their decision without league approval? | ||
| Yes | 53 | 50.5 % |
| No | 52 | 49.5 % |
| List of polls | ||