Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Hockey Canada
May 01, 2023 - 1:09 PM
The BCHL announced today it's parting ways with Hockey Canada to become an independent league, which will give budding hockey players from outside the province more incentive to play out west.
The change is being made to increase opportunities for players and excitement for fans, according to a release from the league, which does not mention how Hockey Canada has been mired in a sexual assault scandal over the past year.
The BCHL, a junior A league with 17 teams in B.C. — including the Penticton Vees, Vernon Vipers and West Kelowna Warriors and Salmon Arm Silverbacks — and one in Washington, said in a media release that all of its franchises will operate outside of Hockey Canada's system starting June 1.
The move will allow BCHL teams to recruit 16- and 17-year-olds from other provinces, which is currently against Hockey Canada regulations.
“The BCHL sends more players to NCAA Division I teams than all other junior hockey leagues in Canada combined," chairman Graham Fraser said in the release.
“During the past season there were 411 BCHL alumni on NCAA rosters, making up nearly a quarter of all Division I college hockey. That is exciting, but we aspire to do more for players and to provide a higher level of hockey for our fans. Under the current system, that’s just not possible.”
It’s the beginning of a new era, Fraser said.
“Our owners and governors are proud of how far we have come in recent years and have a strong desire to continue to grow and make decisions that are in the best interests of young players and families,” he said.
The decision to split from Hockey Canada was made after trying to find a solution in good faith with Hockey Canada for nearly five years, the release says.
“BCHL owners, governors, executives, and committees thoroughly explored all options but were unable to establish meaningful discourse with the governing leadership of Hockey Canada,” according to the release.
— With files from the Canadian Press
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