The Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), which includes the Lloydminster Bobcats has announced it will be bringing back the All-star game, and a new playoff format for the 2026-27 season.
The AJHL at its annual general meeting, with coaches, general managers, and stakeholders said the league will be introducing a 1-to-10 overall playoff seeding format. With the new format, teams that are seeded 7th through 10th will compete in the opening round best-of-five play-in-series, with the 7th seed playing the 10th seed, and the 8th and 9th seed facing off. The top six teams earn a first-round bye.
Following the play-in-series, the remaining eight teams will be reseeded 1 through 8. The north and south division regular season champions will receive the top two seeds in round two based on their point totals. All the playoff rounds from round two onward will be best-of-seven series, with teams reseeded based on regular-season points.
Officials say the new format was deigned to create more meaningful games, reward regular season success, and to enhance the playoff experience for players and fans.
Commissioner of the league, Ryan Bartoshyk says the changes to the playoff format is an opportunity for both the league, and the players.
“It’s an opportunity for the league, and most importantly it’s an opportunity for our athletes to experience some new initiatives for the upcoming season,” says the commissioner. “It really expands not only the number of teams, but the potential of the team you are going to play against throughout the playoff season.”
All-star game
Additionally, the league will also be bringing back the All-star game. Bartoshyk adds it has been over 10 years since the league last hosted an all-star event. Details on where the festivities will be taking place are expected to be announced in the fall.
Bartoshyk says these league-changing decisions are driven by providing opportunities for the teams and athletes.
“The reality is, our league is about providing opportunities and developing athletes and really engaging our community.”
The regular season is expected to get underway in September.
Written by: Thomas Robertson – Vista Radio
