AJHL’s focus on existing 12 franchises in refusing application consideration for Cold Lake expansion

The Alberta Junior Hockey League responded to the City of Cold Lake‘s press release on Wednesday afternoon saying it is focusing on the viability and success of their 12 current franchises before further exploring expansion.

“Given the existing landscape and ongoing changes in Junior hockey, the AJHL Board of Governors evoked its right to refuse to consider the application for membership [sic] received from a private owner seeking to form a new AJHL franchise in Cold Lake, AB,” stated AJHL Commissioner Ryan Bartoshyk in a response to Lakeland Connect. 

No one team can veto or decide on an application for membership.

This type of decision regarding applications for membership requires two-thirds approval from the AJHL Board of Governors.

“Currently and for the 2025-26 season, the focus of the Alberta Junior Hockey League is on its existing 12 teams and ensuring the viability and success of our current communities before further exploring expansion,” it continues. 

“Decisions made by the AJHL Board of Governors require the support of its 12 member teams and are formally reviewed through the league bylaws and regulations. The fee associated with the application for membership was returned to the applicant as a result of the decision by the Board.”

More to follow.