In a sport built on tradition, the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) is tearing up the script – and the consequences are rippling from rinks in Victoria to college campuses in the U.S.
It all adds up to one of the most transformative stretches in league history – the league’s independence from Hockey Canada, a fresh batch of Alberta teams, the loss of Wenatchee Wild and Merritt Centennials, looming questions around franchises in Penticton and Chilliwack, and NCAA rule changes.
Last fall, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) decided to remove eligibility restrictions for Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players – a move that immediately levelled the playing field.
“This isn’t something that caught any of us at the BCHL by surprise,” said Jesse Adamson, the league’s director of communications. “We knew this was eventually going to come, so at least having that knowledge allowed us to prepare for it.”
For decades, athletes had to choose: chase a Major Junior career in the WHL, OHL, or QMJHL and forfeit their U.S. college eligibility, or stick with leagues like the BCHL and preserve the academic route.
Now, for 15-year-old athletes choosing between the BCHL and WHL, the decision won’t hinge on eligibility – it will come down to which league they believe offers the best chance to reach the next level.
The BCHL continues to define itself as a destination for student-athletes, with plans to strengthen academic partnerships in the months ahead.
“We’ve doubled down on our focus on education,” Adamson said. “We have some pretty exciting academic initiatives coming with post-secondary institutions to set players up for success on ice and in the classroom. Education is our main differentiator.”
Since stepping away from Hockey Canada in June 2023, the BCHL has carved out a new path, creating more flexibility for recruiting, hosting showcases, and developing affiliate links, including with the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League.
But not everything has been smooth.
The league lost its only American franchise in 2023-24 when the Wenatchee Wild departed for the WHL, followed by the Merritt Centennials – the longest-serving franchise – shifting to the KIJHL in 2024-25.
The Penticton Vees are still a BCHL member, but are enroute to the WHL, with investors stepping in to pay the league's expansion fee.
Penticton’s franchise will sit out the 2025-26 season as the league works to find the right market for its return in 2026-27. Adamson said the board is focused on identifying a strong, sustainable fit – not just rushing to fill a spot.
Meanwhile, the future in Chilliwack is murkier.
Though the city has begun exploring WHL expansion, the Chiefs remain committed to the BCHL for now.
“The city took ownership of the arena in May, which allowed them to bring in any tenant they want,” Adamson explained. “The Chiefs had nothing to do with the WHL expansion application. This was done by the city without their involvement.”
With the same ownership, coaching staff, and operations intact, the Chiefs will compete as usual in 2025-26. But, if a WHL team moves into the Chilliwack Coliseum for 2026-27, the BCHL may need to find a new home for the franchise.
On the other side of transitioning franchises, the league brought in five former Alberta Junior Hockey League teams in February of 2024: the Blackfalds Bulldogs, Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders, and Spruce Grove Saints.
Brooks won the BCHL championship in their inaugural season.
That brings the league to 20 teams for 2025-26, split into four five-team divisions. Each division will send four teams to the playoffs.
The Island Division – made up of the Victoria Grizzlies, Cowichan Valley Capitals, Nanaimo Clippers, Alberni Valley Bulldogs, and Powell River Kings – remains one of the league’s fiercest, with Adamson hinting that future expansion could land even closer to home.
“There could be some potential for a new BCHL franchise on Vancouver Island,” he said, adding that the Island has fierce rivalries and is a great spot for the BCHL.
Currently, two Island arenas without a BCHL franchise could stand the test of time: the Comox Valley Sports Centre, which seats 1,400, and Rod Brind’Amour Arena in Campbell River, which holds 1,100.
Both currently host VIJHL franchises – a factor that could play into a decision to bring another BCHL team to the Island.
