GETTING YOUR START IN THE BCHL
As a potential future BCHL player, the BCHL offers a first-class experience as you continue to develop as a player and student. Remember that development is a marathon, NOT a sprint. Prepare carefully and take your time.
The League – The BCHL is comprised of 16 teams covering most areas of the province of British Columbia.?Since 1961-62, (Read BCHL History) the BCHL has developed more players for the college system than any other league in Canada. Each year, the BCHL averages more than 100 commitments to colleges in Canada and the United States.
The BCHL is a member of Hockey Canada, BC Hockey and the Canadian Junior Hockey League. The BCHL operates and is bound by the rules and regulations of Hockey Canada and BC Hockey. For more information regarding these organizations, please visit the following websites:
•Hockey Canada
•BC Hockey
•Canadian Junior Hockey League
Route to the College System – The BCHL provides an excellent opportunity for those players looking to move on to the college level and pursue an education while continuing to develop their skills as elite hockey players.
The BCHL is recognized as amateur hockey and as such, players remain eligible to participate in the NCAA. A player joining the BCHL from another amateur level of hockey, is eligible to receive scholarship opportunities from NCAA member institutions.
Please visit the following websites for more information on NCAA Eligibility:
•National Collegiate Athletic Association
•NCAA Men’s Hockey
•NCAA Eligibility Center
The NCAA route is not the only one supported by the BCHL. There are several opportunities available at Canadian universities and colleges.
•Canadian Interuniversity Sport
•BC Intercollegiate Hockey League
•Alberta Colleges Athletic Association
Route to the Pros – The BCHL has an impressive record of advancing players to the professional ranks and each season sees players selected in the NHL Entry Draft directly from the BCHL. Many other players are selected from the college ranks and major junior hockey after moving on from the BCHL.
Over 200 BCHL Alumni have gone on to play in the NHL and countless others have enjoyed careers at some level of professional hockey.
The BCHL is heavily scouted by pro and college scouts and the league works closely with scouts from all levels to provide up-to-date information on current prospects.
Route to Major Junior – Many BCHL players chose to move on to play Major Junior Hockey in Canada – mostly to the Western Hockey League.
•Western Hockey League
Opportunities – Each season, potential players from all over North America have the opportunity to join a BCHL team as the league sees a large turnover in players from season to season. In the 2013-14 season, 107 players moved on to the college system alone – nearly a third of the league’s total registration. Another 28 players had commitments for future seasons.
The BCHL has a roster limit of 22 active players, 20 of which are eligible to dress and participate in any regular season or play-off game. Teams must have minimum of four rookie players (those entering the season with less than 30 games in Junior A). These players regularly compete and attain appropriate playing time.
The BCHL does not operate with a protected list which allows players entering the BCHL for the first time to have control over which BCHL organization they wish to play with. As the BCHL operates in all sizes of communities and unique locations, potential players have many options to consider in deciding which team best suites their individual needs. Once a player has signed a CHA playing certificate, players are bound by the regulations of Hockey Canada and movement to other teams is restricted.
Future Players Information – Please take the opportunity to fully enjoy the Future Players Section of the BCHL Website to find out more about the BCHL and how Junior A Hockey may be the right route for you!
