The end of September brings a lot of interesting things with it every year. Leaves changing color and falling off trees is one of them. Tier 3 teams folding and being killed off by their leagues is also another. Its almost become something to look forward to each year.
So here is what we know. The AEJHL is what we suspected it would be, a dumpster fire. The Vegreville Vipers were kicked out of the league or folded, depending on who you talk to. The league issued an absolutely moronic statement saying “Players have been successfully drafted and signed to other teams”. Ummmmmm yeah, only thats not actually true. The league is trying to force players to play for the Vulcan Rampage who dont have enough players to play. On top of this, neither the AEJHL or the Vipers are providing refunds to players that were signed on the team.
The AEJHL is now down to five teams. Well that is if you consider the Vulcan Rampage a team after they asked to have their season pushed back two weeks. And if it makes any difference, rumor is they couldnt play a three on three tournament today if they had to.
The AEJHL’s Northern Alberta Lightning played Saturday night with a full compliment of ten skaters and two goalies. Raising the standards of junior hockey in Northern Alberta is what this club is all about.
One of the Vipers owners, Dan Tabak also owns the Lac La Biche Islanders. So we know he wasnt part of the problem in Vegreville, at least thats what we are hearing. But, Dan Tabak still has some serious explaining to do because the NJHL has a restraining order from the court that does not allow for Tabak and his organization to play games or compete against the NJHL in the AEJHL for another two years. The court order dated September 26, 2025.
Yep, nothing says quality organization like a court order. Must be that the Bold Center in Lac La Biche did not receive a copy of the order in time to stop this past weekends two home games. Maybe Dan Tabak should have shown up to court to avoid the default judgement. Just a little ooopsy I am sure.
Along with the Vipers, the AEJHL also lost an expansion team for 2026 named the Calgary Rangers. Poof like a cropduster fart they just vanished, yet left a bad smell behind.
Perspective. Its always interesting to take things into perspective when looking at the league and who is organizing it. The AEJHL, made up from teams defecting from the NJHL, a few team name changes, one new location, same bad operators. Thats perspective.
The EHL got their season started and it only looks like one team struggling to get to a full roster, with two teams yet to play a game.
The EHLP on the other hand may be having some problems. Listed in the league standings is now a AAA Academy playing in the “junior” league. The Academy team has twelve skaters and three goalies. How some 2005, and 2006 birth years can play on a AAA Academy team is something people would like to know. Yet another team played with only ten skaters to start the season, others with very low roster numbers and with several other teams yet to play.
The NA3HL is in full swing now, well thats if you call full swing having all teams play one game. Looks like the NA3 Southeast Division could turn into a train wreck.
The Carolina Rage hitting the ice with eleven players and the Atlanta Capitals throwing sixteen on the ice still managed to lose to the Rage. Now that friends is some bad hockey. But hey, lets stay in the Southeast division for a minute more.
The Bayou State Rougarou took their powerhouse of twelve players against the fourteen players with the Pelham Panthers. The panthers were going a perfect zero and six until playing the Rougarou who just couldnt compete losing the game eight to two.
The Atlanta Capitals, again in the Southeast, are looking like they learned nothing from their horrific season last year as they put out fourteen players and continue to show why hockey does not work in Atlanta. Anyone remember the Thrashers and Flames?
The Norwich Sea Captains are continuing their tradition of being not only bad, but not having a full roster. Thirteen players just wont get it done. But hey, those NA cuts will be there real soon, and dont forget to pay your tuition on the first, mom and dad.
The Chris and Rhea Reaves show continues to wreak havoc on the USPHL at every level. Multiple AAA, Premier and Elite teams that Reaves committed to owning, have folded. One NCDC team has been forced into new ownership and had its name changed, and hundreds of parents and players are filing complaints with police and prosecutors as refunds have not been provided.
By our count Reaves is responsible for nine teams going dark this year, and one NCDC team being taken out of his control after obvious mismanagement at the NCDC showcase. With ownership of two other NCDC teams, the league is forced to clean up the mess Reaves is leaving in his wake.
Stick around, this gong show is far from over. We have at least three more weeks of entertainment to go. Pay to play franchises are now on sale on isle six. Thanks for shopping at KMart.
