COLD LAKE - The City of Cold Lake is abuzz with excitement as discussions regarding the potential expansion of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) to the Cold Lake Energy Centre intensify.
Mayor Craig Copeland has been vocal about the city's enthusiasm and preparedness to welcome an AJHL team.
“We're aware of Junior A coming to Cold Lake, and so is the owner of the franchise for Cold Lake. We’ve been in discussions with them in terms of what that looks like. We're very supportive of a Cold Lake team [being] part of the Alberta Junior Hockey League,” said Copeland.
According to the AJHL, the organization is currently evaluating new ownership opportunities, including the expansion application from Cold Lake. In early 2024, five teams - The Blackfalds Bulldogs, Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders and Spruce Grove Saints – chose to leave the AJHL and join the BC Hockey League (BCHL).
On April 26, the AJHL announced it had awarded an expansion franchise to the Northern Alberta Xtreme (NAX) Athletics Group and community of Devon.
As part of a recent special meeting, the AJHL Board of Governors also reviewed Cold Lake's expansion application and continues to work with the group on potential expansion for the 2025-26 season.
Arena built with AJHL in mind
The Cold Lake Energy Centre, specifically the Imperial Place Arena, was built with the foresight of hosting high-level hockey events.
Copeland emphasized the city's long-term vision, stating, “When we originally built the Imperial Place Arena, it was designed for that purpose, for a team for the AJHL... with the 1,500 seats. So, we’re pretty excited and I think a team in Cold Lake and the league will fit it well.”
Copeland believes this enthusiasm is shared by the ownership group seeking to establish the team.
“We know that the ownership group that wants the expansion team in Cold Lake is excited and wants to have a Junior A team established. I think Cold Lake is a great location for Junior A hockey. We've been saying that for a long time. Prior to this person coming forward and putting in an expansion team in our city, council has been lobbying the AJHL for many years,” said Copeland.
The design of the Imperial Place Arena was influenced by other successful venues, ensuring it meets league standards.
“The Imperial Place Arena was built, around the same time the arena in Brooks was built. We went to Brooks as a team [formerly] in the AJHL, and we toured that arena and we wanted to make sure that the arena we built... would satisfy the AJHL's requirements.”
The venue's comprehensive facilities and ambiance further enhance its appeal.
“The venue, the fitness area, you know, it's just the whole ambiance, the hospitality, suites... the lounge upstairs.”
Copeland also highlighted the potential for local rivalries and economic benefits.
“I think the AJHL has a lot of teams in smalltown Alberta, and we feel that we would fit in really nicely. With the rivalry between Fort McMurray, Cold Lake, Bonnyville, Lloydminster, and those in the northeast quadrant, I think it sets up really well.”
The local economy stands to gain from the development too.
“I think that Cold Lake businesses will benefit,” says the mayor, noting that many of the hockey players would be coming from outside the community and billeting in Cold Lake.
Reflecting on the community's longstanding interest, Copeland shared, “I've had many, many, many people over the years ask me why we don't have a team in the AJHL, so I think it's going to be well received.”
The opportunity to watch high-level hockey without traveling far is also a significant draw.
“I think that the community will get behind high-level hockey. Not everybody can afford to go to an Oilers game,” acknowledges the mayor.
Local youth would also have an attainable goal within their hometown.
“It allows kids from the local area to strive now to be able to play Junior A hockey in Cold Lake, which is a good thing to have,” said Copeland.
