The Northern Alberta Lightning are finally dead. The repreive off of life support when jumping to the NJHL was a short one.
Turns out that a ten or thirteen player roster isnt enough to pay the bills in Mayerthorpe. Who knew that would happen? Go figure. The USPHL breathing a sigh of relief for not taking these guys on is what you are hearing on the East Coast right now.
When a team disappears from the scheule, and the social media accounts stop working, you know what time it is. No announcement from the Lightning, just the sound of a flatlining heart monitor.
Alberta though, sure looks interesting in the future. I can think of four or five markets that would be perfect additions for someone. Question is, are there owners that actually have money to operate? One can only hope that more dilligence is used when it comes to expansion in 2026.
Speaking of expansion in 2026. Multiple rumors of as many as eight new Tier 2 programs launching in the United States. That ladies and gentlemen is the sound of opportunity knocking, while at the same time it will likely keep another two hundred or so players out of pay to play markets. And we know what that means.
2026 is shaping up to be an even bigger year for The Death Pool.
See you Monday with our Its Not Junior Hockey series.
