For the third consecutive season, athletes from the British Columbia Hockey League have combined to hit triple digits in the number of college scholarships landed for the season.
Each of the league's 16 teams are sending players to the next level and are contributing to the BCHL's reputation as the best Junior A hockey league in the country.
“Our success in player development and the ties we're building to post-secondary institutions in Canada and the United States will ensure top players continue to play in the BCHL as a means of advancing their careers,” noted league commissioner John Grisdale. “The results we're getting are a credit to our member clubs and the dedication of our coaches and players.”
The Westside Warriors have the most scholarships of any Junior A club in Canada with 13 players committed from their current roster. The Penticton Vees are right behind with 12 players committed.
There are five different leagues accepting BCHL players next season including NCAA Division I, NCAA Division III, Canadian Interuniversity Sport, British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League and the Alberta Colleges Athletic Association.
NCAA Div. I program Merrimack College in Massachusetts has locked up the most BCHL players for the years ahead with nine commitments from this season. There are also nine players committed to NCAA Ivy League programs.
With announcements still filtering in, the league hopes to break the mark of 112 commitments achieved each of the last two seasons.
