The Cold Lake Aeros will not ice a team this upcoming season, as their league announced they are “pausing” operations for 2024-25. 

Last Tuesday, the Canadian-American Junior Hockey League announced it will go dormant for the season to “refocus and collaborate” to develop stronger ownership bases and community bases. 

“While it is regrettable that we find ourselves on this path, we firmly believe that this temporary dormancy will provide us with the opportunity to emerge as a better and stronger league,” said Norm Shaw, Commissioner of the CAJHL, in a press release. 

Cold Lake was among five teams to complete the 2023-24 season, along with Vegreville, Hinton, and Barrhead, and the Southern Alberta Mustangs who played 28 games.

The CAJHL press release says “numerous” potential owners and communities were interested, but didn’t meet timelines to build a team for next season. 

The league says they are committed to working closely with these individuals and communities over the next year to build a more robust and resilient league.

“By taking the necessary steps now, we are confident that we will be able to build a league that not only thrives on the ice but also serves as a pillar of the communities it represents.”

The Aeros posted on social media to thank fans for their support and said they will continue to be active in the community. 

In the first Champions Cup, Cold Lake hosted the league championship and won the title in 2021-22.

The CAJHL operated outside of Hockey Canada jurisdiction as an unsanctioned league.