The BC Hockey has approved a major shift to junior hockey in the province.
The organization announced Tuesday (Apr. 21) that the British Columbia Hockey Conference (BCHC) will become B.C.’s sanctioned Junior A league starting in the fall.
The new league will include 22 teams across three divisions, including 14 current Kootenay International Junior Hockey League teams.
In the Kootenay Division, teams will include Beaver Valley, Fernie, Kimberley, Nelson, Grand Forks and the Columbia Valley.
BC Hockey says the move brings all Junior A hockey in the province under one league, with the champion awarded the Mowat Cup.
Officials say the change strengthens the development system and puts B.C. teams back in a position to compete for a national title.
“We continue to take measured and thoughtful steps to build our junior hockey pathways in B.C. and to restore a strong and connected ecosystem for our leagues, teams, and junior hockey participants,” BC Hockey CEO Cameron Hope said.
“We are now positioned to return to competition for Hockey Canada’s national Junior A championship and, more importantly, to deliver a high-quality player experience for players and families.”
More details on the upcoming season are expected in the coming weeks.
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