The Alberta Junior Hockey League has reversed two decisions to deduct points from the Spruce Grove Saints and Calgary Mustangs relating to the use of ineligible players. Points were deducted from Spruce Grove relating to regular season games played on February 18 and 19, and from Calgary relating to a regular season game played on February 22, for apparent violations of regulations relating to the maximum number of 16 year-olds.
Both Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada regulations contain rules relating to the number of 16 year-olds that a Junior A team can dress for any game. The Hockey Alberta regulations limit the number of 16 year-old players to two (2) per game; while the Hockey Canada regulations also limit the number 16 year-olds to two (2) per game but allow a team to dress up to an additional five (5) 16 year-olds per game as affiliate players.
Due to the conflict between the Hockey Alberta regulations and the Hockey Canada regulations, and without clear direction as to which regulation governs the AJHL, the League has reversed the decision to deduct points from the Spruce Grove Saints and Calgary Mustangs for violation of League bylaws relating to ineligible players.
The AJHL will further consult with Hockey Alberta and its governing bodies to clarify the future application of the affiliation regulations in Junior A for the 2012-2013 Season.
The Spruce Grove Saints captured the Dave Duchak Trophy as the 2010-2011 AJHL Regular Season Champions for the third consecutive season. The Saints completed the Regular Season with a record of 50-6-4 and 104 points, the third consecutive 100-point season for the Saints. B y securing 1st place in the North Division, the Saints guaranteed themselves a first round bye in the 2011 AJHL Enerflex Cup Playoffs and are in a Round Two battle with the Lloydminster Bobcats. The Saints lead the best-of-seven series 2-0 as the series now moves to Lloydminster for Game Three on Wednesday.
The Calgary Mustangs finished the regular season 4th in the South Division with a record of 28-31-1 for 57 points. The Mustangs trail the Okotoks Oilers 2-0 in Round Two of the 2011 AJHL Enerflex Cup Playoffs. The series continues tonight with Game Three of the best-of-seven series.