‘The stress is real’: Petition for AJHL to grant extra year of eligibility gains momentum

EDMONTON (CityNews) – Malik Kaddoura has been working his whole life towards creating a future for himself in the game of hockey.

Due to the junior league age restrictions, this season was supposed to be his last.

Now, since there’s been no Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) season this year because of COVID, the 20-year-old is speaking out on behalf of all players his age. He says they feel robbed of a chance to showcase their skill.

“The 20-year-old year is the most important year,” said Kaddoura. “It dictates where you go next. And you need those opportunities and you can’t get those if you’re not playing.

“You can’t get noticed by scouts and that’s the most important thing.”

RELATED: Alberta minor sports teams can resume training Monday, with some restrictions

Kaddoura started a petition in hopes that Hockey Canada will grant a one-year extension for 20-year-olds across the country who are losing out on their final season playing junior hockey.

“I wanted to bring hope to 20-year-olds and make a difference to relieve some stress and pressure,” he said.

“I’m so grateful for all the support the petition has been getting and I hope Hockey Canada understands the importance of granting an extra year because the stress is real for guys my age in our last year of eligibility who aren’t able to prove themselves.”

Malik Kaddoura started a petition in hopes that Hockey Canada will grant a one-year extension for 20-year-olds across the country who are losing out on their final season playing junior hockey. (Credit: cindy2key)

Most junior players across Canada have a similar goal: to play university, college or another level of professional hockey.

The WHL is the only junior league so far set to play a condensed season, but even other leagues like CIS, USports and the NCAA have granted their players an extra year.

Kaddoura is wondering why the AJHL is not following suit.

“Hopefully they look at our league too and see that we should get an extra year as well,” he said. “I just hope they’re having meetings about it and I want them to understand that it’s an important topic to grant us an extra year.”

The AJHL and Hockey Canada did not return CityNews’ request for comment.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today