The Canadian-American Junior Hockey League (CAJHL) is putting itself on ice for the 2024-2025 season.
On July 23, the league announced that due to a lack of commitments for new teams, it would be taking time to work with stakeholders to develop a stronger owner and community presence.
The Can-Am league was established in 2022 following the departure of six teams from the Western States Hockey League.
Of the six original member teams, five were based in Alberta (the Barrhead Bombers, Cold Lake Aeros, Edmonton Eagles, Hinton Timberwolves, and Vegreville Vipers) with the Vernal Oilers out of Utah being the sole U.S. team.
The two following seasons saw some teams departing from the league and others coming aboard, including the introduction of the Southern Alberta Mustangs, based in Stavely, in the 2023-2024 season.
The announcement from the league states that a few communities did express interest in establishing teams with the CAJHL ahead of this season, but there were too few commitments to establish teams in time.
"While it is regrettable that we find ourselves on this path, we firmly believe that this temporary dormancy will provide us with the opportunity to emerge as a better and stronger league," said CAJHL Commissioner Norm Shaw. "By taking the necessary steps now, we are confident that we will be able to build a league that not only thrives on the ice but also serves as a pillar of the communities it represents."
The CAJHL expressed gratitude to fans, players, coaches, and staff for their continued support.