It looks like there will be Alberta Junior Hockey League action in Drayton Valley for the foreseeable future. The Drayton Valley Thunder has come to a multi-year agreement with the Town regarding use of the Omniplex.
“I’m thrilled that the Thunder will continue to play in our facility,” said Mayor Nancy Dodds. “We are fortunate to have such an exceptional and exciting hockey team in our hometown, and I’m so pleased that a successful agreement was met.”
Details of the agreement are not available. Previous deals between the Town and the hockey club have covered areas such as cost for ice time and changing rooms, and revenue from advertising in Omni 1.
The Thunder have been in the community and a part of the Alberta Junior Hockey League since 1998 and were league champions in 2002. In the just completed 2022-2023 season the team finished last in the north division and did not make the playoffs. A release from the Town said the municipality recognizes “the benefits the team and its players have brought to Drayton Valley over the last 25 years, including its various volunteer efforts, local economic spin-off and positive role model positions that support the next generation through their annual kid’s camp, and the Jr. Thunder Kids Club.”
The Thunder’s annual Kid’s Hockey School is set for August 14-18. The 2023-2024 AJHL season is expected to get underway in mid- September.
