By Jesse Gill, Eli J. Ridder

UPDATED

‘Historic day for our franchise’: Brooks Bandits hockey team joins BCHL

Feb 1, 2024 | 2:30 PM

The Brooks Bandits hockey team publicly confirmed Thursday it is joining the British Columbia Hockey League, effective immediately.

“This is a historic day for our franchise,” said Ryan Papaioannou, head coach and general manager of the Bandits.

“Through the last 10 days our players, fans and sponsors were our top concern,” he added.

“Revealing the path forward today not only puts minds at ease, but also reinvigorates everyone connected to our organization.”

The Blackfalds Bulldogs, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders and Spruce Grove Saints will join the Bandits in defecting from the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

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It comes after weeks of rumours and controversy about the teams departing.

An announcement came out Jan. 20 that the five teams were set to join the BCHL next season.

In reaction, the AJHL immediately cancelled the games of the five teams, only allowing them to play against each other.

A week ago, the five teams put out an announcement disagreeing with the games being cancelled and that they remained in good standing with the AJHL.

At the time, The five teams had denied entering into an agreement with the BCHL.

The AJHL released a statement saying they are disappointed but not surprised that the five teams have decided to drop out of the league and play “unsanctioned” hockey in the BCHL.

The AJHL released this statement following the departure of five teams from their league mid-season. (AJHL)

The five former AJHL teams will play against each other as part of the BCHL with games scheduled starting Friday.

There will be an Alberta champion crowned out of those teams.

Following the conclusion of the BCHL season with the regular B.C.-based teams, there will be an opportunity for the champions from Alberta to meet up against the B.C. champion.

Each Alberta team will have a 20 game regular season schedule split between home and away games, with post season details to be announced at a later date.

“We are pleased to officially welcome these five franchises into the fold as members of our league,” said Graham Fraser, chairman of the BCHL board of governors.

“All five are strong organizations from great communities and we look forward to the immediate boost they will give our league.”

“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 Crocker said.

“We were encouraged by their belief in our model and think that adding these teams will strengthen the development of all our players,” BCHL CEO Chris Hebb said.

The BCHL said it does not disclose financial information when asked about potential franchise fees.

Discussions took place over the course of a few weeks and the agreements were officially signed Jan. 31.

The BCHL board voted unanimously this morning to accept the five franchise into their league.

Next season the BCHL schedule will see the five new teams play against the pre-existing 17 teams.

Division alignment will be announced at a later date.

A list of frequently asked questions about the BCHL agreement with the Alberta based teams is available here.

The Bandits first BCHL home game is this Sunday as they take on the Blackfalds Bulldogs at 2 p.m.