The British Columbia Hockey League hosted a special board of governors meeting this week to discuss ways to deal with the recent NCAA eligibility change, but one thing they didn't discuss was rejoining Hockey Canada.
The league has seen a number of players depart the league this month for the Canadian Hockey League – or other major junior leagues – due to the NCAA's ruling on Nov. 7 that players suiting up in any of the three CHL leagues could continue on at the NCAA level.
Prior to that decision, those who played in the CHL were not able to play at the NCAA level due to those leagues being considered semi-professional.
The BCHL left Hockey Canada in 2023 and became an independent league. The mission at that time was to create a world-class junior league for players seeking NCAA and U Sports scholarships.
It allowed the BCHL to recruit from a larger pool of players, as under Hockey Canada they could not recruit as heavily from other provinces and parts of the world. The BCHL also stated in 2023 that all player fees would be eliminated by the 2024-25 season.
The BCHL's Board of Governors met on Wednesday to discuss league strategic planning in the ever-changing junior hockey landscape.
— BCHL (@BCHockeyLeague) November 22, 2024
"We are committed to providing the best path for young athletes to develop into NCAA Division I hockey players."
DETAILS: https://t.co/KcKYcAZKFX pic.twitter.com/hbEASeKNwz
According to Jesse Adamson, the director of communications for the BCHL, discussions about linking back with Hockey Canada are not on the table.
"Being an independent league puts us in a much better situation to handle this change as it gives our league the autonomy to make regulation changes to adapt to the new landscape," he told Black Press Media. "Our governors are still very happy with the decision to become independent."
The BCHL issed a press release on Friday morning (Nov. 22), stating that only a small percentage of players have left the league and other players have been brought in to replace them.
They also reiterated that the BCHL has always been about player choice. Unlike the CHL, the BCHL does not hold a draft or tell players where to play. Players are recruited and can choose their own destination from the start of their junior hockey career.
"There’s no doubt that this rule change has altered the landscape of junior hockey, but as our league has always done, we will adapt to the new regulations and continue to thrive,” stated BCHL commissioner Steven Cocker.
"We will always be in favour of athletes doing what they think is best for their development.”
BCHL board chairman Richard Murphy said he believes that, despite the changing landscape, the BCHL is still the best path for players to develop into NCAA Division I hockey players. He added that the league will continue to produce college-bound athletes for years to come.
The release stated that the BCHL’s mandate going forward remains: unity and growth, players' choice, academics, independence, and meeting the needs of its athletes and of NCAA Division I programs.
The BCHL also posted an FAQ following the meeting with more information. The FAQ states that the league has had multiple meetings with NCAA Division I programs and conferences and they all feel that this decision will not make the BCHL irrelevant.
The FAQ added that the BCHL's high academic standards also makes players from the league more easy to recruit into the NCAA.
The Chilliwack Chiefs have lost six players since the decision, with the West Kelowna Warriors and Penticton Vees both losing two. The Vees put out a statement on Friday (Nov. 22) after losing forward Casey Brown and defenceman Julien Wasmer to the CHL.
“Casey came to us with a personal issue. He felt being closer to his family would be best and we fully support and respect his decision. We wish him all the best in Moose Jaw," said Fred Harbinson, Vees president, general manager and head coach
"We are a few weeks away from getting two 20-year-old defencemen back from injury, and coupled with the outstanding play of our two young defencemen, Julien understood his role was going to be reduced. He looked for an opportunity with another team, rather than compete for a more favourable spot on our roster."
Our roster now sits at 23 players after the departures of Casey Brown and Julien Wasmer.
— Penticton Vees (@PentictonVees) November 22, 2024
Click the link below for a statement from President, General Manager & Head Coach Fred Harbinson.
Other players who have moved on since the decision include: Lukas McCloskey (Vernon Vipers), Robin Benoit (Sherwood Park Crusaders), Linden Burrett (Cowichan Valley Capitals), Thomas Belzil (Powell River Kings) and Liam Beamish (Salmon Arm Silverbacks).
