Okotoks Minor Hockey responds to proposed expansion of AEHL

Things could look different next season for some AA and AAA hockey clubs across Alberta. 

In a memo to member organizations, Hockey Alberta is proposing amalgamating for AA and AAA hockey under the Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL) for this coming season. 

Hockey Alberta said it is making this proposal to create consistency and enable better mechanisms for promoting the league, programs and players. 

If successful, the revamped AEHL will include all AA and AAA teams from U13, U15, and U18 into one provincial league. The league would feature four regionalized conferences in each division.  

The conferences include the Calgary Conference, the South Conference (currently the SCAHL), the North Metro Conference and the North Rural Conference. 

“Everything is gonna stay the same as far as game counts for regular season games,” said President of the Okotoks Minor Hockey Association, Geoff Rollins.  

Rollins noted he approves of the proposal as it makes sense to streamline league operations. 

“I'm very much in favour of having one governance over all of it,” he said. “I think it's good for player pathway and an overall structure.” 

If the realignment is successful, the Okotoks AA and AAA teams from U13 to U18 will play in the south conference along with teams from Lethbridge, Airdrie, Red Deer, and Foothills. 

No time was given in the memo about when the proposal would be voted on.