AJHL Announces New Playoff Format, All-Star Game Return; Pontiacs’ Wandler Added to Management Committee

Key Changes for 2026-27

• Bonnyville Pontiacs General Manager Corey Wandler was appointed to the AJHL Management Committee.
• AJHL All-Star Game returning in January 2027.
• New 10-team playoff format introduced with Play-In Series.
• Top six teams will earn first-round byes under the new playoff structure.
• 54-game regular season and two-division format remain in place.

 

Bonnyville Pontiacs General Manager Corey Wandler has been appointed to the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Management Committee as part of several announcements made during the league’s 2026 Annual General Meeting in Olds.

Wandler joins newly appointed member Moe Jamal of the Olds Grizzlys, alongside returning committee members Shane Tomayer of the Lloydminster Bobcats and Reid Costley of the Canmore Eagles.

The appointment came during an AGM that also saw the AJHL unveil a new playoff format, confirm the return of the AJHL All-Star Game and outline plans for the 2026-27 season.

New Playoff Format Coming in 2026-27

The AJHL is introducing a new playoff structure designed to place greater emphasis on regular season performance while creating more meaningful games throughout the year.

Beginning next season, teams will be seeded from 1 to 10 based on overall league standings. Teams finishing seventh through tenth will compete in best-of-five Play-In Series, with seventh facing tenth and eighth facing ninth.

The top six teams in the standings will receive a first-round bye.

Following the Play-In Series, the remaining eight teams will be reseeded. The North and South Division champions will receive the top two seeds based on regular season point totals, with all remaining playoff rounds played as best-of-seven series.

AJHL All-Star Game Returning

The league also announced the return of the AJHL All-Star Game in January 2027.

The event will recognize top-performing players from across the league, celebrate achievements throughout the season, and create a fan-focused atmosphere. The host community and additional event details are expected to be announced this fall.

Regular Season Format Remains the Same

The AJHL will continue operating with the Bunge AJHL North Division and Bunge AJHL South Division for the 2026-27 season.

Teams will play a 54-game schedule consisting of six games against divisional opponents and four games against every team from the opposite division.

The exhibition and regular season schedules are expected to be released in June.

League Recognizes Executive of the Year

Drumheller Dragons Chairman Blair Christianson was named the recipient of the 2025-26 Ken Bracko Award as AJHL Executive of the Year.

The league recognized Christianson for his leadership within the Dragons organization and his contributions to the AJHL’s Board of Governors and Management Committee.

The AJHL also thanked outgoing Management Committee members Christianson and Ray Mildenberger of the Grande Prairie Storm for their service to the league.

The league’s Semi-Annual Meeting will be held in Devon in November 2026, while the 2027 AJHL Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Whitecourt in May 2027.