Although Cold Lake's dream of bringing an Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) team to the city may never come true, they still might get a taste of Jr. A action.
Cold Lake could become the home of a Jr. A hockey team, but it wouldn't be through the AJHL. Recent discussions between the city and an organization interested in expanding their United States hockey league have shown keen interest in bringing a team to northern Alberta.
City council has always been open to the idea of bringing a team to the area, Mayor Craig Copeland said.
The Western States Hockey League (WSHL) has announced they're expanding into the Canadian western provinces by creating the Western Provinces Hockey Association (WPHA).
For Copeland, it's another shot at bringing a Jr. A team to Cold Lake.
“It's very hard to get a Jr. A franchise in the AJHL,” he said.
In total, the organization is interested in establishing six to eight teams between Alberta and B.C. The teams are owned and operated by local businesses.
Essentially, Copeland explained, the team is for-profit. Not only is the team owned by a local business, but players pay to be on the team. This is the standard in the United States.
“It's a different concept, but that's how it's done in the states,” he added.
Another unique aspect of the league is the opportunity for up to four foreign players to be on the team.
In the past, the U.S. teams have had players from countries such as Russia and Sweden.
Every year, the Western States Hockey League hosts a showcase in Las Vegas, and although the Canadian teams won't normally compete in the United States, they will be invited to show-off their players.
At the showcase, over 100 scouts have their eyes on the players and their talents, hoping to scoop up the best the Jr. A has to offer.
Although nothing has been set in stone, Copeland said the organization has shown significant interest in what the area has to offer.
“They're really impressed by the Energy Centre. Cold Lake is being looked at as one of the possible locations for the new league. We're pretty excited that they're interested in forming a league and that Cold Lake is going to be one of the showcase facilities,” he said.
Overall, the city is excited about the opportunity to bring Jr. A hockey to its residents, as well as opportunities for local players.
“People are going to be happy to see that high-level hockey. It gives the local players an opportunity to play on another team of high-level hockey, and maybe give them an opportunity to get a scholarship,” expressed Copeland. “We're excited about it. We always felt that Cold Lake would be a great Jr. A community. It looks like these guys have heard us and are interested in bringing this type of league into Cold Lake.”
Copeland believes the league could show the same success locally that it has in the United States.
“I think it's going to be really successful. I think it will be successful in communities. I can see teams in communities that have always wanted to have Jr. A hockey. This is the next step. I think this is going to fit really well with our minor hockey program and our Jr. B. I think it will fit really well in the local area.”
