AJHL loses its dynasty: Bandits set to join BCHL along with 4 other Alberta teams in 2024-25

They’re not going anywhere but the greatest team in the Alberta Junior Hockey League is leaving the league.

The Brooks Bandits, along with Blackfalds, Okotoks, Spruce Grove and Sherwood Park are joining the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL).

The BCHL made the announcement on social media Saturday afternoon. No other details about the move were given.

Brian Wiebe, owner of the BCHLNetwork said the decision of the BCHL to leave Hockey Canada last year has not appeared to hurt the league.

"So far, it hasn't really changed a heck of a lot. In fact, the caliber of play in my opinion, has probably gone up in the BCHL," Wiebe said. "And so that in turn makes it attractive for these five Alberta teams to move in."

Wiebe said of all the teams leaving, the Bandits will have the biggest impact.

The Bandits won the AJHL championship in 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2023. They also won the national junior championship in 2013, 2019, 2022 and 2023.

The Bandits' most famous alumni, Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar, scored his 300th career NHL point Friday. 

"When you look at the legacy that Brooks has had in terms of NHL draft picks, in terms of players moving on to NCAA Division One schools, in terms of winning national championships – I mean, that's something that is a huge part of theAJHL I would imagine," he added.

The Bandits were scheduled to start a homestand against the Drayton Valley Thunder Saturday night, but the game was cancelled by the AJHL.

The Bandits' Sunday game was also cancelled, as well as Saturday and Sunday games for the Blackfalds Bulldogs and the Spruce Grove Saints.

Wiebe doesn't think that's a fair decision.

"To potentially harm more than 100 players, to not allow them to play their games. That's not their fault," he said. "I think that these players should be allowed to play."

While losing five teams could have some negative impacts on the AJHL and the departing teams, Wiebe said the move could also open up opportunities in other Alberta communities.

"I don't think it means that the AJHL is going to go away, but it'll have to make some changes. And I don't know what those changes are, but it'll have to adapt to the fact that it's losing these five teams."

With files from the Canadian Press