"The Alberta 5" haven't jumped ship! They are all committed to playing out the season with the AJHL. It was the AJHL for whatever reason who decided to cancel the games of members in good standing.
No different than Washington, Southern Cal, UCLA and Oregon leaving the PAC12 for the Big10. Those teams let it be known last season that they were moving effective next year. Their games were not cancelled and they represented their respective conferences in their Bowl Games.
You really need to understand the organization we have in Canada the governs the sport. They are a vindictive and spiteful organization who believe that they have the master plan and it is the right plan..NO EXCEPTIONS!
The type of action by the AJHL would not be tolerated south of the border. The 5 teams have done absolutely nothing wrong. This move was effective for next season...not immediately! So the talk about jumping mid-season isn't accurate at all!
Either Hockey Canada has been caught off guard or their blind arrogance is worse than I previously interpreted....and I knew about a few teams last year! I actually had a call with a contact out there who was wondering why they were not included..patience my friend, patience!!