Blair Christianson (Drumheller Dragons) Named Recipient of Ken Bracko Award as AJHL Executive of the Year
The 2026 AJHL Annual General Meeting, hosted by the Olds Grizzlys, included the Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors as well as the Annual General Managers & Coaches Meeting and League Scheduling Meeting on May 27th & 28th. Several new initiatives were introduced including the return of an AJHL All-Star Game and a new playoff format for the 2026-27 season.
The AJHL will maintain its structure of two divisions for the 2026-27 season – the Bunge AJHL North Division and Bunge AJHL South Division. The regular season will feature a 54-game schedule, including six games against teams within the division and four games versus each member of the opposite division. The 2026 Exhibition Season and 2026-27 Regular Season schedules will be announced in June.
The AJHL is introducing a new playoff format for the 2026-27 season designed to create more meaningful games, reward regular season success and enhance the playoff experience for players and fans. Under the new format, the league will move to a 1-to-10 overall playoff seeding. Teams seeded 7th through 10th will compete in opening round best-of-five Play In Series (7 vs. 10 and 8 vs. 9), while 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 playoff rounds from Round Two onward will be best-of-seven series, with teams reseeded based on regular-season points.
The AJHL will reintroduce the AJHL All-Star Game in January 2027! The AJHL All-Star Game will recognize the league’s top-performing players and provide recognition for outstanding achievements throughout the season. The All-Star Game will be a celebration of the league and create an exciting fan-focused atmosphere. More event details and a host community will be announced in the Fall.
Drumheller Dragons Chairman Blair Christianson was recognized as the recipient of the 2025-26 Ken Bracko Award as AJHL Executive of the Year. Blair has a true passion for hockey and his community and believes in providing players with the best opportunities possible. He has been an impactful leader on the AJHL Board of Governors and Management Committee, assisting the league in navigating the changes and challenges of Junior hockey, while leading a successful franchise in Drumheller.
The Dragons organization was grateful for the acknowledgement of its Team Chairman, “This recognition reflects Blair’s deep passion for the AJHL, as well as the dedication and tireless efforts he has shown over the years. His efforts have made a meaningful impact on the AJHL and the ongoing success of the league and the development of its players both on and off the ice.”
The Alberta Junior Hockey League is operating under the direction of Chairman Greg Wood and Commissioner Ryan Bartoshyk, as well as Charla Flett (Executive Director), Fran Gow (Vice President, Hockey Operations), Colin Watt (Vice President, Officiating) and Dean Laschowski (Video Review Manager).
The AJHL Management Committee will include returning members Shane Tomayer (Lloydminster Bobcats) and Reid Costley (Canmore Eagles) as well as newly appointed members Corey Wandler (Bonnyville Pontiacs) and Moe Jamal (Olds Grizzlys). The AJHL extended its appreciation and gratitude to outgoing committee members Blair Christianson (Drumheller Dragons) and Ray Mildenberger (Grande Prairie Storm) and for their outstanding dedication and leadership.
The AJHL Board of Governors will hold the 2026 Semi-Annual Meeting in the AJHL community of Devon, AB in November 2026 followed by the 2027 AGM in Whitecourt, AB in May 2027.
