(Image credit: BCHL)

By Pete McIntyre

22-team league

Alberta teams officially join the BC Hockey League

Feb 1, 2024 | 11:30 AM

The BC Hockey League (BCHL) has officially added five Alberta-based teams after franchise agreements were finalized.

“Effective immediately, the Blackfalds Bulldogs, Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders and Spruce Grove Saints are members of the BCHL,” a news release from the league on Feb. 1 stated.

Prior to this, the Alberta teams had agreed to terms on a framework of what joining the BCHL would look like.

“The five teams will engage in competition with each other for the remainder of the season and will eventually crown an Alberta champion. Following the conclusion of the BCHL playoffs, there will be an opportunity for the champion from Alberta to meet the champion from B.C. in a year-end competition,” the league added.

The schedule for the Alberta teams starts Friday, Feb. 2 and can be viewed here.

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Details on the post-season competition will be announced at a later date.

The BCHL expands from 17 teams, to 22 with the change.

“We are pleased to officially welcome these five franchises into the fold as members of our league,” Chris Hebb, chief executive officer of the BCHL, said. “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.”

The new Alberta teams will start regular season games in the BCHL in the fall of 2024, but what that schedule looks like has yet to be announced.

Vernon Matters was told BCHL teams, including the Vernon Vipers, are withholding comment on the changes at this time.

“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,” BCHL Commissioner Steven Cocker said. “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.”

For a list of Frequently Asked Questions about this decision, visit the BCHL’s FAQ page here.

The B.C. Hockey League ended its agreement with Hockey Canada and became an independent league as of June 1, 2023.

The BCHL said at that time the change will “open more doors for players, raise standards and create an enhanced experience for athletes and fans.”

The league added the change would give it more control over its direction, and will allow for decisions that are in the best interests of players, their families and its teams.