CAJHL Teams Release Official Announcement Regarding Move

Many of the teams moving from the WSHL to the CAJHL have released an official announcement regarding the move to the new league. Hinton, Barrhead, and Cold Lake all released copies of the same announcement Tuesday night.

Interestingly enough, despite not being mentioned as one of the original teams, the Bellingham Blazers also posted the release to their Instagram. This comes after they went dormant earlier this season following an attempt to continue play.

The release reads, “Five Canadian teams and one United States team have come together today to announce their agreement to establish a new league named the Can-Am Junior Hockey League. The new league will be governed by its founding member teams and continue to operate with the Junior A model.

Founding members teams include the Barrhead Bombers, Cold Lake Aeros, Edmonton Eagles, Hinton Timberwolves, Vegreville Vipers and Vernal Oilers.

Formation of the new league comes at a time when a change in leadership and direction is necessary. All six teams have previously competed in the Western States Hockey League.

Expansion in both Canada and the United States has been discussed and will continue under the CAJHL for the 2022-23 season.

The COVID pandemic has shown that a strategic vision and enhanced approach are required to provide value and support for the players wishing to move on to the next level of hockey. Our objective is the improvement in the quality of hockey and the provision of a highly competitive environment, safe environment.

For the remainder of the 2021-22 season the teams will govern themselves. A search for a  league commissioner will begin at the conclusion of the season. Announcement of new teams shall occur after the vetting process is complete.

The founder member teams wish to thank the players, parents, fans, volunteers and staff for their continued support during this transition.“