Alberta, what can we say that hasnt been said before? The wealthiest Province in Canada really is the gift that keeps on giving.
Lets zoom in on the dance floor that is the AEJHL. From six, to five, to four, the game of musical chairs is about to end for this group of prom goers.
The Lac La Biche Islanders changed this past weekends home games to away games because the arena is enforcing the restraining order the NJHL has against the Lac La Biche team. But, the Lac La Biche Islanders are not suppossed to be playing any games at all according to the court order.
Whats next you may ask? According to sources in Lac La Biche, an order of contempt is expected this week from the same court that issued a restraining order. That order of contempt will likely mean that the team owner will face some serious financial consequences for playing when they were ordered not to play at all.
But we’re not done yet. Also facing potential fallout from the court are the teams that played against Lac La Biche knowing that there was a restraining order in place. You know, its kind of like letting your neighbor who robbed a bank hide out in your back yard. Yeah, courts dont look to kindly on those kinds of things.
The plan was to have Lac La Biche play all its remaining home games in Hinton. That is until it came to light that Dan Tabak who is listed as the owner of the AEJHL is also included in the restraining order that says Lac La Biche cant play any games.
And in case you thought that was all, the three other teams in the AEJHL are all talking to other leagues about joining up with them when this gong show falls apart. Ah yes, successful development and a much different experience. You think having a 24 game schedule in the AEJHL as it is can be claimed as legitimate junior hockey development?
Meanwhile, the NJHL keeps moving along. Moving along to the tune of going back into markets that once left? Sources in Lac La Biche saying the arena may be talking to the NJHL to get a team in to replace the Islanders as soon as possible. One source reporting that the arena asked the NJHL if they would just take the team back into the league. Ummmmm yeah, thats not likely to happen.
The USPHL Premier Alberta Division began playing games this past weekend as well. Four out of the six teams played games over the weekend. A few with lower than expected roster numbers, but none that looked on the verge of not being able to continue. The final two Alberta Division teams are due to begin play this coming weekend.
We have gotten a lot of messages and tips on social media, thanks for all of those and keep them coming. One very interesting question was asked. Why dont the NJHL, AEJHL and Alberta Premier Division all merge together?
Simple answer is, the NJHL has six teams and doesnt need to when they have the hammer over the head of Lac La Biche, the USPHL Premier doesnt need to either becase well they are the largest league in the world. The AEJHL though, may soon be down to three teams, possibly two if you look at the roster of eleven players on the Northern Alberta Lightning. So I would bet there is some truth to the rumors that the remaining teams are looking for a life raft.
Stick around, its not quite over yet.
