Photo Courtesy Brooks Bandits Facebook

By Lisa Parent

SPORTS EXCLUSIVE

‘It’s only been met with positivity’: Brooks Bandits coach notes community support in decision to leave AJHL

Feb 26, 2024 | 3:41 PM

At the start of this month, the Brooks Bandits confirmed they were leaving the Alberta Junior Hockey League to join the British Columbia Hockey League, effective immediately.

Since then, they’ve played 11 games in the BCHL, against the four other Alberta teams that also left.

Ryan Papaioannou, head coach and general manager, told CHAT News on Monday the competitiveness of the BCHL has been great so far, but the biggest benefit is the new schedule.

In the AJHL, they had about three days a month for full practices, due to the demanding schedule. Now, they spend Monday to Thursday practicing and training.

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However, adjusting to the BCHL has been a process, affecting both players and fans.

Papaioannou says over-communicating with their players during the transition was key.

He also believes it’s being well-digested by the fans that have supported them throughout the years.

“I think for every nine people that were really excited about what we were doing, there’s always one that doesn’t understand,” Papaioannou said.

When we had the ability to finally come out and explain to our stakeholders and all the people in our community what it all meant and why we were doing it, I think it’s only been met with positivity.”

“People are excited to see different teams next year. They’re excited for the way the games have gone since we’ve made the change.”

Papaioannou said the team’s end goal with players is development and this new league better allows that.

The new schedule for the Brooks Bandits in the BCHL can be found here.