Chris Clegg
South Peace News
The High Prairie Red Wings will be playing in their third league in as many years next season.
The Red Wings and four other teams announced the formation of the Alberta Elite Junior Hockey League May 2. The league also includes the Lac la Biche Lakers, Mayerthorpe Lightning, Onion Lake Scouts and Vulcan Rampage.
All four clubs, with the exception of Scouts, were part of the National Junior Hockey League last season but they announced May 1 they were dissolving all contractual agreements with the NJHL citing several breaches of contract in their franchise agreements. All breaches are denied by the NJHL.
However, the new league moves forward.
“A bold new chapter in Canadian junior hockey is underway with the official launch of the (AEJHL),” reads a statement provided by the five member clubs.
“Created to elevate the player experience and uphold the highest standard of integrity and competition, the AEJHL will commence play in the upcoming season.”
The teams further cite the league was founded on the principles of transparency, operational excellence, and player development. The former NJHL clubs were very critical of financial transparency.
“The AEJHL represents a fresh start and a vision for what junior hockey should be in Alberta,” reads the statement.
“Our mission is to offer players, families, and fans a league built on trust, fairness and a commitment to excellence.”
The league believes it will become a premiere destination for junior hockey talent across Western Canada.
Further details regarding league structure, schedule, and player recruitment will be announced in the next few weeks.