British Columbia Hockey League#BCHL Fred Page Cup champions

{{short description|Junior ice hockey league}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}

{{Use Canadian English|date=July 2024}}

{{Infobox sports league

| title = British Columbia Hockey League

| current_season = 2024–25 BCHL season

| current_season2 =

| last_season =

| upcoming_season = 2025–26 BCHL season

| logo = BCHL Logo.svg

| logo_size = 200px

| logo_upright =

| alt =

| caption =

| formerly = {{plainlist|

  • BCJHL (1967–1995)
  • OJHL (1964–1967)
  • OMJHL (1961–1963)

}}

| association = Independent

| classification = Junior

| sport = Ice hockey

| founded = {{start date and age|1961}}

| ceo = Chris Hebb

| teams = 21

| country = Canada

| headquarters = Langley, British Columbia

| region = {{ubl | British Columbia | Alberta}}

| titles_label =

| titles =

| champion = Surrey Eagles

| champ_season = 2023–24

| most_champs = Penticton Vees (14)

| website = {{URL|bchl.ca}}

}}

The British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) is an independent Canadian Junior ice hockey league with 21 teams in British Columbia and Alberta. It was classified as a Junior "A" league within the Hockey Canada framework, until it became independent in 2023. Since becoming independent, the league characterizes itself simply as a Junior ice hockey league.

History

= 1961 to 1993 =

In 1961, the heads of four Junior "B" hockey teams in the Okanagan region of British Columbia got together and formed the first Junior "A" league in British Columbia's history. The Okanagan-Mainline Junior "A" Hockey League (OMJHL) originally consisted of the Kamloops Jr. Rockets, the Kelowna Buckaroos, the Penticton Jr. Vees, and the Vernon Jr. Canadians.

== Early expansion ==

In 1967, the league expanded out of the Okanagan region, bringing in the New Westminster Royals and the Victoria Cougars of the original (1962–1967) Pacific Coast Junior Hockey League. With the expansion, the league decided that since it was no longer solely in the Okanagan region that it need a new name, becoming the British Columbia Junior Hockey League (BCJHL). A year later, the Vancouver Centennials joined the league. In the 1970s, the Victoria Cougars jumped to the Western Hockey League and the New Westminster team was forced to fold due to the relocation of the Estevan Bruins into their arena. In 1972, the Bellingham Blazers and the Nanaimo Clippers expanded the league to eight teams.

In the early 1970s, the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association separated the two tiers of Junior A hockey. The BCJHL, being a Tier II league, was then disallowed from competing for the Memorial Cup, which had traditionally been the National Junior A Championship trophy. Consequently, the Tier II Junior A leagues across Canada agreed to compete for a new trophy called the Centennial Cup.

== Rivalry with the PJHL ==

The 1970s also saw the rise of a rival league for the BCJHL, the Pacific Coast Junior Hockey League (PCJHL), which briefly existed in the 1960s and was resurrected for the 1971–72 season. The PCJHL was promoted to a Junior "A" league for the 1973–74 season and changed its name to the Pacific Junior A Hockey League. The PJHL champions competed with the BCJHL champions for the provincial championship, the Mowat Cup.

The existence of the two Junior A leagues in British Columbia caused an unusual turn of events in the 1977–78 season postseason. The BCJHL sent their regular season champion, the Merritt Centennials, to play as the BC representative in the Pacific region (BC and Alberta) interprovincial Doyle Cup, excusing them from the BCJHL playoffs. The BCJHL continued their league playoffs without them, crowning Nanaimo as the playoff champion after Penticton Jr. Vees refused to finish the playoff finals due to a series of brawls in the third game of the series. Meanwhile, the Merritt Centennials won the Doyle Cup and advanced to the Abbott Cup (the Western Canada Championship) against the winner of the ANAVET Cup, the Western region champion Prince Albert Raiders of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. The Centennials lost to the Raiders, four games to one.

== Merger with the PJHL ==

The PJHL and the BCJHL merged for the 1979–80 season.

During the 1980–81 season, the Coastal division season was interrupted by a strike at BC Ferries in late January. Since the mainland teams could no longer reach the island teams, the Coastal Division stopped playing, and began extended playoff rounds in place of the regular season.

== National champions ==

In 1986, the Penticton Vees became the BCJHL's first Junior A national championship team, defeating the Metro Valley Junior Hockey League's Cole Harbour Colts by a score of 7–4 to win the Centennial Cup. A year later, the BCJHL's Richmond Sockeyes won the league's second consecutive national title.

= 1993 to 2021 =

From 1993 to 2021, the league was a member of the Canadian Junior Hockey League, an association of Junior A leagues across Canada that would play for the National Junior A Championship. The winner of the BCHL Fred Page Cup (not to be confused with the CJHL Fred Page Cup) would continue on to play the Alberta Junior Hockey League champions in the Doyle Cup for the right to compete for the national championship. The BCJHL was renamed the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) in 1995.

== Further expansion and relocations ==

The Burnaby Bulldogs joined as an expansion team in 1998 and moved to Port Alberni in 2002. The Coquitlam Express and the Salmon Arm Silverbacks joined in 2001. The Williams Lake TimberWolves joined in 2002 and folded in 2010.

The Chilliwack Chiefs moved to Langley in 2006 and were later renamed the Langley Rivermen. That team replaced the Langley Hornets who moved to West Kelowna and were later renamed the West Kelowna Warriors. In 2011, the Quesnel Millionaires moved to Chilliwack and were renamed the Chilliwack Chiefs.

The Wenatchee Wild joined in 2015 and ownership moved operations up to the WHL in 2023, following the BCHL move to go independent. The Cranbrook Bucks joined the league in 2020.

= 2021 to present =

== Withdrawal from CJHL and Hockey Canada ==

In March 2021, the BCHL withdrew its membership from the Canadian Junior Hockey League.{{Cite web |url=https://theprovince.com/sports/bchl-rumoured-to-be-unhappy-with-national-junior-a-body-looking-to-go-out-on-its-own |title=BCHL rumoured to be unhappy with national Junior A body, looking to go out on its own |website=TheProvince.com |date=March 25, 2021}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.castanet.net/news/BCHL/330467/BC-Hockey-League-has-given-notice-it-wants-to-leave-the-CJHL-and-go-it-alone |title=BCHL confirms exit |website=Castanet.net |date=April 9, 2021}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cjhlhockey.com/en/cjhl-statement-regarding-bchl |title=CJHL statement regarding BCHL|website=Canadian Junior Hockey League |date=April 9, 2021}}

On May 1, 2023, the BCHL decided not to renew its agreement with governing body Hockey Canada, and thus became an independent league. The reasons for the decision included more control over their scheduling, particularly the timing of the playoffs, and allowing BCHL teams to recruit players under the age of 18 from outside BC Hockey's territorial jurisdiction.{{cite web |url=https://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/junior-hockey/bchl-pulls-out-of-hockey-canada-becomes-independent-league |title=BCHL pulls out of Hockey Canada, becomes an independent league |website=The Province |date=May 1, 2023}}

{{Further|British Columbia Hockey League#Withdrawal from Hockey Canada|label 1=§ Withdrawal from Hockey Canada}}

== Expansion into Alberta ==

On January 20, 2024, the league announced that five teams from the Alberta Junior Hockey League would join the BCHL in the 2024-25 season, namely, the Blackfalds Bulldogs, Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders, and Spruce Grove Saints.{{cite web |title=BCHL agrees to terms with five Alberta-based teams |url=https://bchl.ca/bchl-agrees-to-terms-with-five-alberta-based-teams |website=bchl.ca |date=20 January 2024 |access-date=20 January 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Gustafson |first1=Ian |title=Alberta hockey league cancels multiple games after 5 teams defect to BCHL |url=https://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/sports/alberta-hockey-league-cancels-multiple-games-after-5-teams-defect-to-bchl-7301482 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=Penticton Western News |publisher=Black Press |date=25 January 2024 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Saelhof |first1=Todd |title=AJHL revamps schedule in wake of losing five teams |url=https://calgaryherald.com/sports/ajhl-revamps-schedule-in-wake-of-losing-five-teams |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=Calgary Herald |publisher=Postmedia |date=25 January 2024}} In the interim, it was decided that the five Alberta-based teams would play out the rest of the 2023-24 season as a separate division under the aegis of the BCHL, and that there would be a year-end competition with the winner of the Alberta-based teams playing the winner of the BC-based teams.{{cite web |title=BCHL announces finalized franchise agreements and integration with five Alberta-based teams |url=https://bchl.ca/bchl-announces-finalized-franchise-agreements-and-integration-with-five-alberta-based-teams |website=bchl.ca |date=February 2024 |publisher=British Columbia Hockey League |access-date=2 February 2024}}{{cite web |title=BCHL announces Alberta playoff format and BC postseason refresher |url=https://bchl.ca/bchl-announces-alberta-playoff-format-and-bc-postseason-refresher |website=bchl.ca |date=6 March 2024 |publisher=British Columbia Hockey League |access-date=6 March 2024}} Beginning in the 2024–25 BCHL season, the five Alberta-based teams, along with the Cranbrook Bucks, will form the East division of the Interior conference.{{cite news |title=B.C. Hockey League releases schedule for 2024-25 season |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/10578202/bc-hockey-league-schedule-2024-25-season/ |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=Global News |publisher=Corus Entertainment |date=20 June 2024}} The Prince George Spruce Kings, who previously were in the Interior Conference, moved to the Coastal Conference's East division.{{cite news |last1=Dheensaw |first1=Cleve |title=BCHL unveils new divisional format for 2024-25 season |url=https://www.timescolonist.com/sports/bchl-unveils-new-divisional-format-for-2024-25-season-9088815 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=Times Colonist |publisher=Glacier Media Group |date=14 June 2024 |language=en}}

{{Further|2023–24 BCHL season#League changes}}

== VIJHL affiliation ==

Beginning in 2024–25, the league will have an affiliation agreement with the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL).{{cite news |last1=Ewen |first1=Steve |title=Vancouver Island Junior B loop cuts ties with Hockey Canada, joins forces with BCHL |url=https://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/junior-hockey/vancouver-island-junior-b-loop-cuts-ties-with-hockey-canada-joins-forces-with-bchl |access-date=19 July 2024 |work=The Province |publisher=Postmedia |date=30 April 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Bailey |first1=Jim |title=Trail Smoke Eaters owner purchases VIJHL Peninsula Panthers |url=https://www.trailtimes.ca/sports/trail-smoke-eaters-owner-purchases-vijhl-peninsula-panthers-7352352 |access-date=19 July 2024 |work=Trail Times |publisher=Black Press Media |date=1 May 2024}} Following the announcement of the agreement, some BCHL owners acquired an ownership stake in VIJHL clubs.{{cite news |last1=Ferguson |first1=Dan |title=Langley Rivermen acquire a farm team |url=https://www.aldergrovestar.com/local-sports/langley-rivermen-acquire-a-farm-team-7374050 |access-date=12 June 2024 |work=Aldergrove Star |publisher=Black Press Media |date=6 June 2024}}{{cite news |title=BCHL's Alberni Valley Bulldogs have new owner |url=https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/sports/bchls-alberni-valley-bulldogs-have-new-owner-7370049 |access-date=20 July 2024 |work=Vancouver Island Free Daily |publisher=Black Press Media |date=3 June 2024}} However, sources reported that there will be no club-specific affiliations, and that BCHL teams will be allowed to call players up from, or send players down to, any VIJHL team.{{cite news |last1=Dheensaw |first1=Cleve |title=VIJHL latest league to bolt Hockey Canada and go independent |url=https://www.timescolonist.com/sports/vijhl-latest-league-to-bolt-hockey-canada-and-go-independent-8672215 |access-date=19 July 2024 |work=Times Colonist |publisher=Glacier Media Group |date=29 April 2024|quote=The affiliation will not be club-to-club but be on a universal basis with BCHL teams allowed to call up players from or send down players to any of the VIJHL teams.}}

Current franchises

The league's 21 teams are organized into four divisions, and two conferences: with 10 teams making up the Coastal Conference, and 11 teams making up the Interior Conference.{{cite web |title=2024 BCHL Annual General Meeting Recap |url=https://bchl.ca/2024-annual-general-meeting-recap |website=bchl.ca |date=14 June 2024 |publisher=British Columbia Hockey League |access-date=14 June 2024}}

class="wikitable" style="width=680"
Conference

! Division

! Team

! Home

! Arena

style="background:white"

! rowspan="10" |Coastal

! rowspan="5" style="background:white" | West

| Alberni Valley Bulldogs

| Port Alberni

| Weyerhaeuser Arena

Cowichan Valley Capitals

| North Cowichan

| Cowichan Community Centre

style="background:white"

| Nanaimo Clippers

| Nanaimo

| Frank Crane Arena

Powell River Kings

| Powell River

| Hap Parker Arena

style="background:white"

| Victoria Grizzlies

| Victoria

| The Q Centre

style="border-top: 2px solid black;"

! rowspan="5" style="background:white" | East

| Chilliwack Chiefs

| Chilliwack

| Chilliwack Coliseum

style="background:white"

| Coquitlam Express

| Coquitlam

| Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex

Langley Rivermen

| Langley

| George Preston Recreation Centre

style="background:white"

| Prince George Spruce Kings

| Prince George

| Kopar Memorial Arena

Surrey Eagles

| Surrey

| South Surrey Arena

style="border-top: 2px solid black;"

! rowspan="11" | Interior

! rowspan="5" style="background:white" | West

| Penticton Vees

| Penticton

| South Okanagan Events Centre

style="background:white"

| Salmon Arm Silverbacks

| Salmon Arm

| Rogers Rink

Trail Smoke Eaters

| Trail

| Cominco Arena

style="background:white"

| Vernon Vipers

| Vernon

| Kal Tire Place

West Kelowna Warriors

| West Kelowna

| Royal LePage Place

style="border-top: 2px solid black; background:white"

! rowspan="6" style="background:white" | East

| Blackfalds Bulldogs

| Blackfalds

| Eagle Builders Centre

Brooks Bandits

| Brooks

| Centennial Regional Arena

style="background:white"

| Cranbrook Bucks

| Cranbrook

| Western Financial Place

Okotoks Oilers

| Okotoks

| Viking Rentals Centre

style="background:white"

| Sherwood Park Crusaders

| Sherwood Park

| Sherwood Park Arena

Spruce Grove Saints

| Spruce Grove

| Grant Fuhr Arena

{{OSM Location map

| title = Map of BCHL teams

| float = left

| nolabels = 1

| coord = {{coord|51.18|-118.34}}

| zoom = 5

| width = 680

| height = 300

| caption = {{nowrap|6px Coastal West}} {{nowrap|6px Coastal East}} {{nowrap|6px Interior West}} {{nowrap|6px Interior East}}

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| mark-title4 = Powell River Kings

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| mark-title7 = Coquitlam Express

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| label8 = Rivermen

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| mark-coord8 = {{coord|49.0789|-122.6521}}

| mark-title8 = Langley Rivermen

| mark-image8 = Main_Street,_Fort_Langley.jpg

| mark-description8 = Langley Township, BC

| shape-color8 = blue

| label9 = Spruce Kings

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| mark-title9 = Prince George Spruce Kings

| mark-image9 = Northern Lights in Prince George, BC.jpg

| mark-description9 = Prince George, BC

| shape-color9 = blue

| label10 = Eagles

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| mark-coord10 = {{coord|49.0416|-122.8156}}

| mark-title10 = Surrey Eagles

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| label11 = Vees

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| label12 = Silverbacks

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| mark-title12 = Salmon Arm Silverbacks

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| label13 = Smoke Eaters

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| mark-size13 = 6

| mark-coord13 = {{coord|49.0981|-117.7094}}

| mark-title13 = Trail Smoke Eaters

| mark-image13 = Looking_over_Trail,_British_Columbia.jpg

| mark-description13 = Trail, BC

| shape-color13 = yellow

| label14 = Vipers

| label-pos14 = right

| mark14 = Yellow pog.svg

| mark-size14 = 6

| mark-coord14 = {{coord|50.2756|-119.2781}}

| mark-title14 = Vernon Vipers

| mark-image14 = Downtown_Vernon.jpg

| mark-description14 = Vernon, BC

| shape-color14 = yellow

| label15 = Warriors

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| mark-size15 = 6

| mark-coord15 = {{coord|49.858|-119.582}}

| mark-title15 = West Kelowna Warriors

| mark-image15 = GreenBay.JPG

| mark-description15 = West Kelowna, BC

| shape-color15 = yellow

| label16 = Bulldogs

| label-pos16 = right

| mark16 = Purple pog.svg

| mark-size16 = 6

| mark-coord16 = {{coord|52.3833|-113.8}}

| mark-title16 = Blackfalds Bulldogs

| mark-image16 = The Autumn train - panoramio.jpg

| mark-description16 = Lacombe County, AB

| shape-color16 = purple

| label17 = Bandits

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| mark17 = Purple pog.svg

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| mark-coord17 = {{coord|50.5642|-111.8989}}

| mark-title17 = Brooks Bandits

| mark-image17 = Brooks, Alberta Location.png

| mark-description17 = Brooks, AB

| shape-color17 = purple

| label18 = Bucks

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| mark18 = Purple pog.svg

| mark-size18 = 6

| mark-coord18 = {{coord|49.5137|-115.7563}}

| mark-title18 = Cranbrook Bucks

| mark-image18 = Downtown_Cranbrook.jpg

| mark-description18 = Cranbrook, BC

| shape-color18 = purple

| label19 = Oilers

| label-pos19 = right

| mark19 = Purple pog.svg

| mark-size19 = 6

| mark-coord19 = {{coord|50.7261|-113.9775}}

| mark-title19 = Okotoks Oilers

| mark-image19 = Okotoks2009.JPG

| mark-description19 = Okotoks, AB

| shape-color19 = purple

| label20 = Crusaders

| label-pos20 = right

| mark20 = Purple pog.svg

| mark-size20 = 6

| mark-coord20 = {{coord|53.5233|-113.3089}}

| mark-title20 = Sherwood Park Crusaders

| mark-image20 = Sherwood Park.jpg

| mark-description20 = Sherwood Park, AB

| shape-color20 = purple

| label21 = Saints

| label-pos21 = left

| mark21 = Purple pog.svg

| mark-size21 = 6

| mark-coord21 = {{coord|53.545|-113.9008}}

| mark-title21 = Spruce Grove Saints

| mark-image21 = Spruce Grove City Hall.jpg

| mark-description21 = Spruce Grove, AB

| shape-color21 = purple

}}

{{OSM Location map

| title = Map of BCHL teams in the Salish Sea region

| float = left

| nolabels = 1

| coord = {{coord|49.14|-123.38}}

| zoom = 7

| width = 680

| height = 300

| caption = {{nowrap|12px Coastal West}} {{nowrap|12px Coastal East}} {{nowrap|12px Interior West}} {{nowrap|12px Interior East}}

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| mark-size1 = 12

| mark-coord1 = {{coord|49.256|-124.7911}}

| mark-title1 = Alberni Valley Bulldogs

| mark-image1 = Aerial_view_of_the_south_end_of_Port_Alberni.JPG

| mark-description1 = Port Alberni, BC

| label2 = Capitals

| label-pos2 = right

| mark-size2 = 12

| mark-coord2 = {{coord|48.7828|-123.7031}}

| mark-title2 = Cowichan Valley Capitals

| mark-image2 = CCCInt07.JPG

| mark-description2 = Cowichan Community Centre in North Cowichan, BC

| label3 = Clippers

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| mark-size3 = 12

| mark-coord3 = {{coord|49.1962|-123.9942}}

| mark-title3 = Nanaimo Clippers

| mark-image3 = Nanaimo_Skyline_2005.JPG

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| label4 = Kings

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| mark-coord4 = {{coord|49.8356|-124.5244}}

| mark-title4 = Powell River Kings

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| mark-description4 = Powell River, BC

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| mark-coord5 = {{coord|48.4444|-123.4633}}

| mark-title5 = Victoria Grizzlies

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| mark-description5 = Victoria, BC

| label6 = Chiefs

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| mark-coord6 = {{coord|49.1697|-121.9693}}

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| mark-description6 = Chilliwack, BC

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| label7 = Express

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| mark-title7 = Coquitlam Express

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| mark-description7 = Coquitlam, BC

| shape-color7 = blue

| label8 = Rivermen

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| mark-coord8 = {{coord|49.0789|-122.6521}}

| mark-title8 = Langley Rivermen

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| mark-description8 = Langley Township, BC

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| label9 = Spruce Kings

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| mark-coord9 = {{coord|53.9123|-122.7471}}

| mark-title9 = Prince George Spruce Kings

| mark-image9 = Northern Lights in Prince George, BC.jpg

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| label10 = Eagles

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| mark-coord10 = {{coord|49.0416|-122.8156}}

| mark-title10 = Surrey Eagles

| mark-image10 = King George Hub District, Surrey 2018.jpg

| mark-description10 = Surrey, BC

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| label11 = Vees

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| mark-title11 = Penticton Vees

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| mark-description11 = South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton, BC

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| label12 = Silverbacks

| label-pos12 = right

| mark12 = Yellow pog.svg

| mark-size12 = 12

| mark-coord12 = {{coord|50.7061|-119.2575}}

| mark-title12 = Salmon Arm Silverbacks

| mark-image12 = SalmonArmFromTappen.JPG

| mark-description12 = Salmon Arm, BC

| shape-color12 = yellow

| label13 = Smoke Eaters

| label-pos13 = right

| mark13 = Yellow pog.svg

| mark-size13 = 12

| mark-coord13 = {{coord|49.0981|-117.7094}}

| mark-title13 = Trail Smoke Eaters

| mark-image13 = Looking_over_Trail,_British_Columbia.jpg

| mark-description13 = Trail, BC

| shape-color13 = yellow

| label14 = Vipers

| label-pos14 = right

| mark14 = Yellow pog.svg

| mark-size14 = 12

| mark-coord14 = {{coord|50.2756|-119.2781}}

| mark-title14 = Vernon Vipers

| mark-image14 = Downtown_Vernon.jpg

| mark-description14 = Vernon, BC

| shape-color14 = yellow

| label15 = Warriors

| label-pos15 = right

| mark15 = Yellow pog.svg

| mark-size15 = 12

| mark-coord15 = {{coord|49.858|-119.582}}

| mark-title15 = West Kelowna Warriors

| mark-image15 = GreenBay.JPG

| mark-description15 = West Kelowna, BC

| shape-color15 = yellow

| label16 = Bulldogs

| label-pos16 = right

| mark16 = Purple pog.svg

| mark-size16 = 12

| mark-coord16 = {{coord|52.3833|-113.8}}

| mark-title16 = Blackfalds Bulldogs

| mark-image16 = The Autumn train - panoramio.jpg

| mark-description16 = Lacombe County, AB

| shape-color16 = purple

| label17 = Bandits

| label-pos17 = right

| mark17 = Purple pog.svg

| mark-size17 = 12

| mark-coord17 = {{coord|50.5642|-111.8989}}

| mark-title17 = Brooks Bandits

| mark-image17 = Brooks, Alberta Location.png

| mark-description17 = Brooks, AB

| shape-color17 = purple

| label18 = Bucks

| label-pos18 = right

| mark18 = Purple pog.svg

| mark-size18 = 12

| mark-coord18 = {{coord|49.5137|-115.7563}}

| mark-title18 = Cranbrook Bucks

| mark-image18 = Downtown_Cranbrook.jpg

| mark-description18 = Cranbrook, BC

| shape-color18 = purple

| label19 = Oilers

| label-pos19 = right

| mark19 = Purple pog.svg

| mark-size19 = 12

| mark-coord19 = {{coord|50.7261|-113.9775}}

| mark-title19 = Okotoks Oilers

| mark-image19 = Okotoks2009.JPG

| mark-description19 = Okotoks, AB

| shape-color19 = purple

| label20 = Crusaders

| label-pos20 = right

| mark20 = Purple pog.svg

| mark-size20 = 12

| mark-coord20 = {{coord|53.5233|-113.3089}}

| mark-title20 = Sherwood Park Crusaders

| mark-image20 = Sherwood Park.jpg

| mark-description20 = Sherwood Park, AB

| shape-color20 = purple

| label21 = Saints

| label-pos21 = left

| mark21 = Purple pog.svg

| mark-size21 = 12

| mark-coord21 = {{coord|53.545|-113.9008}}

| mark-title21 = Spruce Grove Saints

| mark-image21 = Spruce Grove City Hall.jpg

| mark-description21 = Spruce Grove, AB

| shape-color21 = purple

}}

{{clear}}

Franchise history

{{div col|colwidth=22em|small=yes}}

  • 1961 – Okanagan-Mainline Junior Hockey League founded with Kamloops Jr. Rockets, Kelowna Buckaroos, Penticton Jr. Vees, and Vernon Jr. Canadians
  • 1962 – Vernon Jr. Canadians become Vernon Blades
  • 1963 – OMJHL changes name to Okanagan Junior Hockey League
  • 1963 – Penticton Jr. Vees leave league
  • 1964 – Penticton returns as Penticton Broncos
  • 1964 – Kamloops Jr. Rockets become Kamloops Kraft Kings
  • 1967 – OJHL changes name to British Columbia Junior Hockey League
  • 1967 – Vernon Blades become Vernon Essos
  • 1967 – Kamloops Kraft Kings become Kamloops Rockets
  • 1967 – New Westminster Royals and Victoria Cougars join from Pacific Coast Junior A Hockey League
  • 1969 – Vancouver Centennials join league
  • 1970 – Chilliwack Bruins join league
  • 1971 – New Westminster Royals and Victoria Cougars leave league
  • 1972 – Vancouver Centennials become Vancouver Villas
  • 1972 – Nanaimo Clippers and Bellingham Blazers join league
  • 1973 – Kamloops Rockets move and become White Rock Centennials and then Merritt Centennials
  • 1973 – Vancouver Villas leave league
  • 1973 – Langley Lords join league
  • 1973 – Vernon Essos become Vernon Vikings
  • 1975 – Penticton Broncos become Penticton Vees
  • 1975 – Bellingham Blazers become Maple Ridge Blazers
  • 1976 – Kamloops Braves and Abbotsford Flyers join league
  • 1976 – Maple Ridge Blazers become Bellingham Blazers
  • 1976 – Chilliwack Bruins become Maple Ridge Bruins
  • 1976 – Langley Lords become Langley Thunder
  • 1977 – Maple Ridge Bruins move, renamed Revelstoke Bruins
  • 1977 – Kamloops Braves become Kamloops Chiefs
  • 1978 – Kamloops Chiefs become Kamloops Rockets
  • 1978 – Bellingham Blazers become Bellingham Ice Hawks
  • 1978 – Chilliwack Colts and Delta Suns join league
  • 1979 – Penticton Vees become Penticton Knights
  • 1979 – Revelstoke Bruins and Kamloops Rockets merge to become Revelstoke Bruins/Rockets
  • 1979 – Richmond Sockeyes and Nor'Wes Caps join league from Pacific Junior A Hockey League
  • 1979 – Delta Suns, Langley Thunder, and Vernon Canadians leave league
  • 1980 – Vernon rejoins league as Vernon Lakers
  • 1980 – Cowichan Valley Capitals and Coquitlam Comets join league
  • 1980 – Revelstoke Bruins/Rockets change name to Revelstoke Rockets
  • 1980 – Bellingham Ice Hawks move, renamed Vancouver Blue Hawks
  • 1980 – Chilliwack Colts cease operations mid-season
  • 1981 – Langley Eagles join league
  • 1981 – Coquitlam Comets and Nor'Wes Caps cease operations
  • 1982 – Esquimalt Buccaneers and Shuswap/Salmon Arm Totems join league
  • 1982 – Nanaimo Clippers cease operations
  • 1982 – Vancouver Blue Hawks move, renamed Burnaby Blue Hawks
  • 1983 – Revelstoke Rockets renamed Revelstoke Rangers
  • 1983 – Esquimalt Buccaneers move, renamed Nanaimo Clippers
  • 1983 – Kelowna Buckaroos move, renamed Summerland Buckaroos
  • 1983 – New Westminster Royals cease operations
  • 1984 – Cowichan Valley Capitals move, renamed Sidney Capitals
  • 1984 – Vernon Rockets renamed Vernon Lakers
  • 1985 – Delta Flyers and Kelowna Packers join league
  • 1985 – Burnaby Blue Hawks and Revelstoke Rangers cease operations
  • 1985 – Merritt Centennials renamed Merritt Warriors
  • 1985 – Abbotsford Flyers renamed Abbotsford Falcons
  • 1985 – Salmon Arm Totems renamed Salmon Arm/Shuswap Blazers
  • 1986 – Sidney Capitals move, renamed Juan de Fuca Whalers
  • 1987 – Salmon Arm/Shuswap Blazers renamed Salmon Arm Tigers
  • 1987 – Merritt Warriors renamed Merritt Centennials
  • 1987 – Langley Eagles move, renamed Chilliwack Eagles
  • 1988 – Summerland Buckaroos and Abbotsford Falcons cease operations
  • 1988 – Juan de Fuca Whalers move, renamed Cowichan Valley Whalers
  • 1988 – New Westminster Royals rejoin league
  • 1988 – Delta Flyers move, renamed Powell River Paper Kings
  • 1989 – Kelowna Packers renamed Kelowna Spartans
  • 1989 – Chilliwack Eagles move, renamed Ladner Penguins
  • 1989 – Cowichan Valley Whalers renamed Cowichan Valley Capitals
  • 1989 – Salmon Arm Tigers cease operations
  • 1990 – Penticton Knights renamed Penticton Panthers
  • 1990 – Victoria Warriors join league
  • 1990 – Ladner Penguins move, renamed Bellingham Ice Hawks
  • 1990 – Richmond Sockeyes move, renamed Chilliwack Chiefs
  • 1990 – Cowichan Valley Capitals cease operations
  • 1991 – New Westminster Royals move, renamed Surrey Eagles
  • 1993 – Cowichan Valley Capitals rejoin league
  • 1993 – Victoria Warriors cease operations
  • 1994 – Victoria Salsa, Langley Thunder, Royal City Outlaws join league
  • 1995 – Bellingham Ice Hawks sell franchise rights to Trail Smoke Eaters of the Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League; Trail joins BCHL
  • 1995 – Vernon Lakers renamed Vernon Vipers
  • 1995 – Kelowna Spartans cease operations
  • 1996 – Royal City Outlaws sell franchise rights to Prince George Spruce Kings; both Prince George and the Quesnel Millionaires of the RMJHL join the BCHL
  • 1996 – Surrey Eagles renamed South Surrey Eagles
  • 1998 – Burnaby Bulldogs join league
  • 1998 – Powell River Paper Kings renamed Powell River Kings; Langley Thunder renamed Langley Hornets
  • 2001 – Coquitlam Express and Salmon Arm Silverbacks join league
  • 2002 – Williams Lake TimberWolves join league
  • 2002 – Burnaby Bulldogs move to Alberni Valley
  • 2003 – South Surrey Eagles renamed Surrey Eagles
  • 2004 – Penticton Panthers renamed Penticton Vees
  • 2005 – Coquitlam Express move to Burnaby
  • 2006 – Langley Hornets move, renamed Westside Warriors
  • 2006 – Chilliwack Chiefs move to Langley
  • 2006 – Victoria Salsa renamed Victoria Grizzlies
  • 2007 – Williams Lake TimberWolves take leave of absence from league
  • 2009 – Williams Lake TimberWolves active in league
  • 2010 – Williams Lake TimberWolves declared "not in good standing"; operations suspended
  • 2010 – Burnaby Express move to Coquitlam
  • 2011 – Quesnel Millionaires move, become Chilliwack Chiefs
  • 2011 – Langley Chiefs renamed Langley Rivermen
  • 2012 – Westside Warriors renamed West Kelowna Warriors
  • 2015 – Wenatchee Wild join league from the North American Hockey League
  • 2020 – Cranbrook Bucks join the league as an expansion team
  • 2023 – Wenatchee Wild join the WHL
  • 2024 – Blackfalds Bulldogs, Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders, and Spruce Grove Saints switch from the AJHL to the BCHL
  • 2024 – Merritt Centennials leave the BCHL
  • 2025 – Penticton Vees join the WHL

{{div col end}}

League championships

The top eight teams from each conference at the end of the regular season advance to the playoffs to compete for the league championship Fred Page Cup.

cellpadding="1" style="font-size: 90%; border: 1px solid gray;"
align="center"

! style="background: #CD5C5C;" width="30" |Year

! style="background: #CD5C5C;" width="175" |League champion

! style="background: #CD5C5C;" width="175" |League runner-up

2024Surrey EaglesPenticton Vees
2023Penticton VeesAlberni Valley Bulldogs
2022Penticton VeesNanaimo Clippers
2021bgcolor="eeeeee"; align="center"; colspan="2"; rowspan="2"|Not awarded {{efn|name=covid|2020 & 2021 playoffs cancelled due to public health restrictions{{cite web |url=https://www.cjhlhockey.com/en/cjhl-announces-official-cancellation-for-remainder-of-2019-20-season |title=CJHL Announces Official Cancellation For Remainder Of 2019-20 Season |website=CJHL |date=March 13, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://bchl.ca/bchl-announces-season-will-end-with-no-playoffs-plans-for-alternate-set-of-pod-awards |title=BCHL announces season will end with no playoffs, plans for alternate set of pod awards |website=BCHL |date=April 28, 2021}}}}
2020
2019Prince George Spruce KingsVernon Vipers
2018Wenatchee WildPrince George Spruce Kings
2017Penticton VeesChilliwack Chiefs
2016West Kelowna WarriorsChilliwack Chiefs
2015Penticton VeesNanaimo Clippers
2014Coquitlam ExpressVernon Vipers
2013Surrey EaglesPenticton Vees
2012Penticton VeesPowell River Kings
2011Vernon VipersPowell River Kings
2010Vernon VipersPowell River Kings
2009Vernon VipersPowell River Kings
2008Penticton VeesNanaimo Clippers
2007Nanaimo ClippersVernon Vipers
2006Burnaby ExpressPenticton Vees
2005Surrey EaglesVernon Vipers
2004Nanaimo ClippersSalmon Arm Silverbacks
2003Vernon VipersChilliwack Chiefs
2002Chilliwack ChiefsVernon Vipers
2001Victoria SalsaMerritt Centennials
2000Chilliwack ChiefsVernon Vipers
1999Vernon VipersChilliwack Chiefs
1998South Surrey EaglesPenticton Panthers
1997South Surrey EaglesVernon Vipers
1996Vernon VipersLangley Thunder
bgcolor="eeeeee"; align="center"; colspan="3"|BCJHL
1995Chilliwack ChiefsPowell River Paper Kings
1994Kelowna SpartansCowichan Valley Capitals
1993Kelowna SpartansPowell River Paper Kings
1992Vernon LakersBellingham Ice Hawks
1991Vernon LakersPowell River Paper Kings
1990New Westminster RoyalsVernon Lakers
1989Vernon LakersNew Westminster Royals
1988Vernon LakersRichmond Sockeyes
1987Richmond SockeyesKelowna Packers
1986Penticton KnightsRichmond Sockeyes
1985Penticton KnightsBurnaby Blue Hawks
1984Langley EaglesPenticton Knights
1983Abbotsford FlyersKelowna Buckaroos
1982Penticton KnightsNew Westminster Royals
1981Penticton KnightsAbbotsford Flyers
1980Penticton KnightsNanaimo Clippers
1979Bellingham BlazersKamloops Rockets
1978Merritt CentennialsPenticton Vees
1977Nanaimo ClippersPenticton Vees
1976Nanaimo ClippersPenticton Vees
1975Bellingham BlazersKelowna Buckaroos
1974Kelowna BuckaroosLangley Lords
1973Penticton BroncosChilliwack Bruins
1972Vernon EssosPenticton Broncos
1971Kamloops RocketsVancouver Centennials
1970Vernon EssosVictoria Cougars
1969Victoria CougarsPenticton Broncos
1968Penticton BroncosKelowna Buckaroos
bgcolor="eeeeee"; align="center"; colspan="3"|OJHL
1967Penticton BroncosKelowna Buckaroos
1966Kamloops Kraft KingsKelowna Buckaroos
1965Kelowna BuckaroosKamloops Kraft Kings
1964Kamloops RocketsKelowna Buckaroos
bgcolor="eeeeee"; align="center"; colspan="3"|OMJHL
1963Kamloops RocketsKelowna Buckaroos
1962Kamloops RocketsKelowna Buckaroos

{{Notelist}}

National championships

The Centennial Cup (known as the Royal Bank Cup from 1996 to 2018) is the Canadian Junior Hockey League championship tournament. It was awarded to BCHL teams 14 times in its history. BCHL teams are no longer eligible to play in the tournament since the league withdrew from the CJHL in 2021.{{cite news |last1=Sawatzky |first1=Mike |title=Absent BCHL continues to be a hot topic at Centennial Cup |url=https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/featured/2023/05/16/absent-bchl-continues-to-be-a-hot-topic-at-centennial-cup |access-date=9 August 2024 |work=Winnipeg Free Press |date=16 May 2023}}

BCHL records

Individual records

  • Most goals in a season: 105, Brett Hull, Penticton, 1983–84
  • Most assists in a season: 111, Bob Ginetti, Burnaby, 1986–87
  • Most points in a season: 188, Brett Hull, Penticton, 1983–84
  • Most goals in a season, defenceman: 38, Campbell Blair, Vernon, 1986–87
  • Most assists in a season, defenceman: 77, Bruce Harris, Bellingham, 1978–79; Ian Kidd, Penticton, 1984–85
  • Most points in a season, defenceman: 109, Campbell Blair, Vernon, 1986–87
  • Most goals in a season, rookie: 84, John Newberry, Nanaimo, 1979–80
  • Most assists in a season, rookie: 103, Doug Berry, Kelowna, 1974–75
  • Most points in a season, rookie: 185, John Newberry, Nanaimo, 1979–80
  • Most shorthanded goals in a season: 14, Greg Hadden, New Westminster, 1988–89
  • Most powerplay goals in a season: 32, Dan Bousquet, Penticton, 1993–94
  • Longest consecutive shutout streak: 250 minutes, 25 seconds, Brad Thiessen, Prince George, 2005–06

Team records

Notable alumni

Brett Hull, a National Hockey League Hall of Famer, played for the Penticton Knights and holds the BCHL record for most goals in a season (105), which he set in 1983–84.{{cite web |title=All-Time Stats Leaders |url=https://bchl.ca/all-time-stats |website=bchl.ca |publisher=British Columbia Hockey League |access-date=26 January 2024}} Other NHLers who played in the BCHL include Chuck Kobasew of the Penticton Panthers, Scott Gomez of the Surrey Eagles, Carey Price of the Quesnel Millionaires, Willie Mitchell of the Kelowna Spartans, Shawn Horcoff of the Chilliwack Chiefs, and Paul Kariya of the Penticton Panthers.

= List of NHL alumni =

{{Hat note|Names in bold indicate inductees of the Hockey Hall of Fame}}

{{div col|colwidth=10em}}

{{div col end}}

Withdrawal from Hockey Canada

In March 2021, the league withdrew its membership from the Canadian Junior Hockey League. The league cited a financial dispute as one of the reasons. It said that there was a long-standing practice of the NHL compensating Hockey Canada when their players are drafted by the NHL. If the draft pick comes from a Major Junior club, the team receives compensation from Hockey Canada. However, if the draft pick comes from a Junior A club, compensation is awarded to the CJHL, not the club.{{cite web |title=Modernizing Junior Hockey in Canada |url=https://bchl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Modernizing-Junior-Hockey-in-Canada.pdf |website=bchl.ca |publisher=British Columbia Hockey League |access-date=28 January 2024}}

On May 1, 2023, the BCHL made the controversial decision not to renew its agreement with governing body Hockey Canada, and thus became an independent league. The reasons for the decision included the aim of allowing BCHL teams to recruit players under the age of 18 from outside BC Hockey's territorial jurisdiction. Under Hockey Canada regulations: {{Blockquote|text=Players seventeen (17) years of age and below must register in the Member where their Parent(s) reside, unless the Player is registered in a Hockey Canada School With Residence or Hockey Canada Accredited School, and registers with one (1) of that school’s Teams.|author=Hockey Canada|title=By-laws, Regulations and History, regulation c(1), (June 2023){{cite web|title=By-laws, Regulations and History|url=https://cdn.hockeycanada.ca/hockey-canada/Corporate/About/Downloads/2022-23-bylaws-e.pdf |website=hockeycanada.ca|publisher=Hockey Canada|access-date=24 January 2024}}}} The residential qualification did not apply to CHL Major Junior clubs, therefore they had the advantage of being able to recruit 16- and 17-year-old players from any jurisdiction in Canada. However, players who signed with CHL clubs were historically deemed ineligible to play college hockey in the United States because they were considered to be professionals by the NCAA. Therefore, the BCHL sought to attract elite 16- and 17-year-old players who were capable of playing Major Junior but wanted to retain their NCAA eligibility. In 2024 the NCAA changed its position and decided that CHL players were no longer ineligible as of the 2025–26 season.{{cite news |last1=Wheeler |first1=Scott |last2=Pronman |first2=Corey |title=NCAA votes to open up college eligibility to Canadian Hockey League players |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5827014/2024/11/07/ncaa-hockey-chl-players-eligiblity/ |access-date=7 November 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=7 November 2024}}{{cite news |title=NCAA introduces proposal to allow CHL players |url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/41667587/ncaa-expected-consider-change-allow-chl-players |access-date=1 November 2024 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |date=7 October 2024 |language=en}} The decision was made after a class action was filed on behalf of a player who was declared ineligible after having played two exhibition games in the OHL when he was 16 years old.{{cite news |last1=Wawrow |first1=John |title=Lawsuit challenging NCAA's ban of Canadian Hockey League players could upend college hockey |url=https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-hockey-chl-lawsuit-cfa358bd84487a6500a9a9b8e9e28522 |access-date=8 November 2024 |work=AP News |date=13 August 2024 |language=en}}

As a consequence of becoming an independent, or non-sanctioned, league, anyone—including players, coaches, trainers, managers and referees—involved with the BCHL after the 30 September cut-off date, is barred from participating in any sanctioned games and programs for the remainder of the season under Hockey Canada's Non-Sanctioned Leagues policy.{{cite web |title=Non-Sanctioned Leagues policy |url=https://cdn.hockeycanada.ca/hockey-canada/Corporate/About/Downloads/2023-non-sanctioned-leagues-policy-e.pdf |website=hockeycanada.ca |publisher=Hockey Canada |access-date=24 January 2024}} Players who are cut from BCHL rosters after 30 September would have limited options to play elsewhere. Further, BCHL teams would not be able to recruit affiliate players, i.e. players from a lower tier league that may be selected to play a limited number of games at the higher level, from leagues that are within the Hockey Canada framework. Because of this, the BCHL increased the number of players that teams could include in their regular roster.{{cite web |title=BCHL FAQ |url=https://bchl.ca/bchl-faq |website=bchl.ca |publisher=British Columbia Hockey League |access-date=25 January 2024}} This was intended to reduce the likelihood of players being cut after the deadline, but also resulted in some players getting less playing time.

In 2024, the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) announced that it would also withdraw from the Hockey Canada framework and operate as an independent farm league for the BCHL beginning in the 2024–25 season.{{cite news |last1=Ewen |first1=Steve |title=Vancouver Island Junior B loop cuts ties with Hockey Canada, joins forces with BCHL |url=https://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/junior-hockey/vancouver-island-junior-b-loop-cuts-ties-with-hockey-canada-joins-forces-with-bchl#:~:text=The%20league%20left%20the%20Canadian,system%2C%E2%80%9D%20in%20September%202022. |access-date=29 May 2024 |work=The Province |publisher=Postmedia |date=30 April 2024}}{{cite web |title=VIJHL announces decision to become independent league |url=https://www.vijhl.com/vijhl-announces-decision-to-become-independent-league |website=vijhl.com |date=29 April 2024 |publisher=Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League |access-date=29 May 2024}}

References

{{reflist}}

Further reading

{{refbegin}}

  • {{cite news |last1=McCormack |first1=Andrew |title=Junior hockey uncertainty after players leave for BCHL |url=https://www.discoverestevan.com/articles/junior-hockey-uncertainty-after-players-leave-for-bchl |access-date=28 July 2024 |work=discoverestevan.com |date=16 February 2024}}
  • {{cite news |last1=Luciani |first1=Stefan |title=Brave new world: BCHL commissioner talks Hockey Canada separation, NCAA and more |url=https://www.theprogress.com/local-sports/brave-new-world-bchl-commissioner-talks-hockey-canada-separation-ncaa-and-more-7482539 |access-date=15 August 2024 |work=Chilliwack Progress |publisher=Black Press Media |date=14 August 2024 |language=en}}
  • {{cite news |last1=Ewen |first1=Steve |title=Hockey Canada sends letter to members to explain rules now that BCHL is on its own |url=https://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/junior-hockey/hockey-canada-sends-letter-to-members-to-explain-rules-now-that-bchl-is-on-its-own |access-date=24 November 2024 |work=The Province |publisher=Postmedia |date=5 May 2023}}
  • {{cite news |last1=Wauthy |first1=Alex |title=Eli McKamey, 15, scores exceptional status to play with the B.C. Hockey League |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/mckamey-bchl-hockey-bc-1.7220927 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=CBC News |publisher=CBC/Radio-Canada |date=1 June 2024}}
  • {{cite news |title=NCAA introduces proposal to allow CHL players |url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/41667587/ncaa-expected-consider-change-allow-chl-players |access-date=1 November 2024 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |date=7 October 2024 |language=en}}
  • {{cite news |last1=Wheeler |first1=Scott |last2=Pronman |first2=Corey |title=NCAA votes to open up college eligibility to Canadian Hockey League players |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5827014/2024/11/07/ncaa-hockey-chl-players-eligiblity/ |access-date=7 November 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=7 November 2024}}
  • {{cite news |last1=Krause |first1=Kraig |title=NCAA rule change shakes B.C. junior hockey |url=https://bc.ctvnews.ca/ncaa-rule-change-shakes-b-c-junior-hockey-1.7104367 |access-date=10 November 2024 |work=CTV News Vancouver |publisher=Bell Media |date=8 November 2024 |language=en}}
  • {{cite news |last1=Gustafson |first1=Ian |title=Local junior hockey leagues react to NCAA eligibility rule change |url=https://lethbridgenewsnow.com/2024/11/07/local-junior-hockey-leagues-react-to-ncaa-eligibility-rule-change/ |access-date=10 November 2024 |work=Lethbridge News Now |publisher=Pattison Media |date=7 November 2024 |language=en}}
  • {{cite news |last1=Ewen |first1=Steve |title=What does the opening up of NCAA scholarships to major junior players mean to the BCHL? |url=https://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/junior-hockey/what-ncaa-hockey-scholarships-major-junior-mean-bchl |access-date=24 November 2024 |work=The Province |publisher=Postmedia |date=11 November 2024}}
  • {{cite news |last1=Lypka |first1=Ben |title=Rejoining Hockey Canada not a discussion point at BCHL board meeting |url=https://www.coastmountainnews.com/home2/rejoining-hockey-canada-not-a-discussion-point-at-bchl-board-meeting-7665074 |access-date=24 November 2024 |work=Coast Mountain News |publisher=Black Press Media |date=22 November 2024 |language=en}}
  • {{cite news |last1=Dheensaw |first1=Cleve |title=Grizzlies, BCHL insist they'll adapt to new NCAA ruling |url=https://www.timescolonist.com/sports/grizzlies-bchl-insist-theyll-adapt-to-new-ncaa-ruling-9848473 |access-date=24 November 2024 |work=Times Colonist |publisher=Glacier Media Group |date=22 November 2024 |language=en}}
  • {{cite news |last1=Lypka |first1=Ben |last2=Weel |first2=Tricia |title=BCHL hit hard by player departures following new NCAA rules |url=https://www.houston-today.com/sports/bchl-hit-hard-by-player-departures-following-new-ncaa-rules-7659487 |access-date=24 November 2024 |work=Houston Today |publisher=Black Press Media |date=20 November 2024 |language=en}}
  • {{cite news |title=EDITORIAL: Changes to NCAA, junior hockey will have lasting impact |url=https://www.rmoutlook.com/opinion/editorial-changes-to-ncaa-junior-hockey-will-have-lasting-impact-9869941 |access-date=2 December 2024 |work=Rocky Mountain Outlook |publisher=Great West Media |date=2 December 2024 |language=en}}
  • {{cite press release |last1=Tidcombe |first1=Matt |title=WHL awards expansion franchise to Penticton Vees, launches franchise application process for Chilliwack |url=https://chl.ca/article/whl-awards-expansion-franchise-to-penticton-vees-launches-franchise-application-process-for-chilliwack/ |website=chl.ca |publisher=Canadian Hockey League |access-date=2 April 2025 |language=en-CA |date=24 March 2025 |location=Calgary, Alta.}}
  • {{cite news |last1=Lypka |first1=Ben |title=Chilliwack receiving WHL franchise for 2026-27 season |url=https://www.theprogress.com/local-news/chilliwack-receiving-whl-franchise-for-2026-27-season-7900319 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=The Chilliwack Progress |publisher=Black Press Media |date=24 March 2025 |language=en}}
  • {{cite news |last1=Lypka |first1=Ben |title=WHL apologizes for past Chilliwack mistakes, pledges future loyalty |url=https://www.theprogress.com/local-news/whl-apologizes-for-past-chilliwack-mistakes-pledges-future-loyalty-7903982 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=The Chilliwack Progress |publisher=Black Press Media |date=25 March 2025 |language=en}}
  • {{cite news |last1=Lypka |first1=Ben |title=Chilliwack mayor on WHL: 'I don't think it's the right move' |url=https://www.theprogress.com/local-news/chilliwack-mayor-on-whl-i-dont-think-its-the-right-move-7908424 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=The Chilliwack Progress |publisher=Black Press Media |date=27 March 2025 |language=en}}
  • {{cite news |last1=Lypka |first1=Ben |title=Chilliwack mayor apologizes for 'disrespect' shown to the WHL |url=https://www.theprogress.com/local-news/chilliwack-mayor-apologizes-for-disrespect-shown-to-the-whl-7911058 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=The Chilliwack Progress |publisher=Black Press Media |date=28 March 2025 |language=en}}

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