The Calgary Junior Hockey League is a Junior "B" ice hockey league based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is sanctioned by Hockey Canada, and operated by Hockey Calgary. Founded in 1945, the CJHL is one of the oldest hockey leagues operating in Alberta.
The league champion earns a berth in the Alberta Provincial Junior B Hockey Championship, with a chance to participate in the Western Canadian championship, the Keystone Cup.
Teams Team Association CBHA Hawks Calgary Buffaloes Hockey Association CBHA Rangers Calgary Buffaloes Hockey Association CNHA Gold Calgary Northstars Hockey Association CNHA Black Calgary Northstars Hockey AssociationCRAA GoldCalgary Royals Athletic AssociationCRAA BlueCalgary Royals Athletic Association NWCAA Bruins Northwest Calgary Athletic Association NWCAA Stamps Northwest Calgary Athletic Association
League Organization The modern CJHL is governed by the by-laws of Hockey Calgary which stipulates that each of Calgary's four community hockey associations operate at least one team. Presently, each association operates two teams that play a 30-game season.
In the past, teams from outside the Calgary area have also participated in the league. Both the Okotoks Oilers and the High River Flyers of the Heritage Junior B Hockey League were originally members of the CJHL.
2006 incident The CJHL gained national attention in October 2006 following a brawl in the hallway of a Calgary arena following a game between the NWCAA Bruins and the NEAA Canucks. A linesman attempting to break up an off-ice scuffle was allegedly knocked unconscious by a kick to the head in the melee, which involved players, coaches, fans and parents.
As a result of a police investigation, Robert Simard, 21, of Calgary was charged with one count of assault for allegedly kicking linesman Rory McCuaig in the head. Simard and one other player involved in the brawl were given two-year suspensions from playing in the league, ending their junior careers, and carrying over to any league sanctioned by Hockey Alberta. One parent was given a ban from all Hockey Calgary sanctioned arenas.
Champions YearChampionYearChampionYearChampion1987NWCAA Bruins12001SWAA Royals Blue2015CRAA Gold1988NWCAA Bruins2002SWAA Royals Gold2016CRAA Gold1989CBHA Rangers2003SWAA Royals Gold2017CBHA Rangers1990NWCAA Bruins2004NWCAA Stampeders2018CBHA Rangers1991NWCAA Bruins2005NWCAA Stampeders2019CRAA Gold19922006NWCAA Stampeders2020covid19932007NWCAA Bruins2021covid1994SWAA Royals2008CRAA Gold2022CBHA Rangers1995SWAA Royals Blue2009CRAA Blue2023CBHA Rangers1996SWAA Royals Blue2010CRAA Blue2024NWCAA Stampeders1997NWCAA Stampeders2011CNHA Blazers2025NWCAA Stampeders1998NWCAA Bruins2012CRAA Blue2026CNHA Black1999SWAA Royals Gold2013CBHA Rangers2000SWAA Royals Gold2014CRAA Gold -Alberta provincial champions listed in bold
1 Also won Keystone Cup Western Canadian Junior B Champion. Team members of the 1987 NWCAA Bruins included Ken MacLean, Chris Tibbles, Terry Copot (Coach), Neil Houghton, Brendan Black, Craig Wheeler, Steve Jordan, Craig Coulombe, Scott Muzychka, Ross Rayment, Barry Faminoff, Dan Matley, Jeff Hegland, Brad Thompson (Asst. Coach), Otto Gentile, Doug Thubron, John Irvine, Sandy Quilty, Blaine Louis, Brent Willis and Scott Burrell.
See also List of ice hockey teams in Alberta Ice hockey in Calgary
References
External links Calgary Junior Hockey League Calgary Buffalo Hockey Association (CBHA) Calgary Northstars Hockey Association (CNHA) Calgary Royals Athletic Association (CRAA) North West Calgary Athletic Association (NWCAA)