The Okotoks Oilers will be in a new league.

The AJHL posted a statement to X on Saturday afternoon, saying they were made aware of five teams intention to leave their league through an announcement from the BCHL, but have still not heard from the teams themselves.

"As a league we are assessing next steps and schedule implications. The AJHL will continue to provide unprecedented development opportunities for our athletes within our valuable communities," the statement reads.

In the meantime, several upcoming games have been cancelled, and they are:

  • January 20, 2024: Olds Grizzlys @ Blackfalds Bulldogs
  • January 20, 2024: Drayton Valley Thunder @ Brooks Bandits
  • January 21, 2024: Spruce Grove Saints @ Calgary Canucks
  • January 21, 2024: Whitecourt Wolverines @ Brooks Bandits

“The teams that have committed to terms include, the Blackfalds Bulldogs, Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders and Spruce Grove Saints,” the BCHL said in a release.

“Further information, such as league structure, will be announced in the coming weeks.”

Under regulations set forth by Hockey Canada, players who join an independent league, such as the BCHL, are ineligible to play for the AJHL until they are no longer part of that separate league.

The Okotoks Oilers were scheduled to host the 2025 AJHL Centennial Cup.

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