The BCHL’s Board of Governors met on Wednesday to discuss strategic planning in response to the recent NCAA eligibility change.
Earlier this year, the league’s Governors struck an Ad Hoc Committee to create a strategy around the upcoming rule change and that committee presented its findings so far.
“All of our committees have been working tirelessly to ensure this league is in the best position possible in the ever-changing landscape of junior hockey,” said BCHL Board Chairman Richard Murphy. “We had a very positive discussion at Wednesday’s meeting and it reinforced the fact that our Board room remains committed to providing the best path for young athletes to develop into NCAA Division I hockey players. Our high standards of education, along with our track record of providing elite on-ice development, means that we will continue to produce college-bound athletes for years to come.”
“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,” said BCHL Commissioner Steven Cocker. “The fact is, only a small percentage of players have left our league due to this change and our teams are bringing in highly skilled athletes from other leagues to take their place. As a league without a draft, the BCHL has always supported players choice. We will always be in favour of athletes doing what they think is best for their development.”
The BCHL’s mandate going forward remains:
- Unity & Growth
- Players Choice
- Academics
- Independence
- Meeting the needs of our athletes and of NCAA Division I programs
For more details on the mandate, and other information related to the eligibility change, visit the BCHL’s Frequently Asked Questions page.
