THUNDER BAY – The Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) remains committed to further expansion efforts.
Commissioner Darrin Nicholas sent out a response to Dougall Media in the wake of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) coming to terms with five teams based in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) to join their league in 2024-2025.
“I am not aware of any of our member clubs that are seeking to play anywhere else,” Nicholas added. “Non-sanctioned hockey is a lot more prevalent out west. I understand some of the owners of teams in the AJHL also operated non-sanctioned teams in the minor hockey environment. Their experience with it, and their proximity to an operating non-sanctioned junior league makes moves like this a little more plausible for them.”
The Blackfalds Bulldogs, Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders and Spruce Grove Saints all made their intentions to jump on Jan. 20 but then came out with a statement on Jan. 25 that was shared online.
“Our five teams remain members in good standing of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, Canadian Junior Hockey League, Hockey Alberta, and Hockey Canada,” the statement began. “We have not entered into any agreement to leave any of those organizations, nor have we made any announcement to that effect.
“We have full intention of fulfilling our commitments to each of those bodies for the remainder of the 2023-2024 regular season and postseason. We do not agree that any AJHL games should be cancelled or postponed. We share in the public’s disappointment in the current situation.”
The BCHL broke away from Hockey Canada in May 2023.
Hockey Canada rules state that players looking to play junior A hockey must do so in their own province.
The consensus among the SIJHL clubs that responded to a request for comment from Dougall Media is that they are proud members of the league.
FORT FRANCES LAKERS
“The Lakers have no plans to leave the SIJHL, nor have we been approached by another league,” said General Manager and Assistant Coach Luke Judson.
KAM RIVER FIGHTING WALLEYE
“As long as the SIJHL is operational, and we want to compete, we can’t play anywhere else,” mentioned Derek Geddes, the Co-Owner, President and Governor.
RED LAKE MINERS
“I think at this point we’re very proud members of the SIJHL,” added Head Coach and General Manager Lee Stone. “We’re happy where we are and don’t plan on making any changes. The Miner’s club has not been approached by another league.”
THUNDER BAY NORTH STARS
“The North Stars are happy with where we’re at and look forward to growing with our partner franchises in the league,” said Mike Tallari, Director of Corporate Sales/Business Development/Community Engagement.
In an update posted to the AJHL’s website, until further notice, all upcoming games between the five teams will be cancelled while the remaining eleven teams, and any of their contests against the five clubs, will be allowed to continue playing.
Dougall Media did also reach out to the Dryden GM Ice Dogs, Kenora Devils Gap Islanders and Sioux Lookout Bombers but did not receive a response at press time.
With files from Mike Stimpson
