Grisdale Steps Down

Taking on the job or position of a Commissioner isn’t an easy task, especially one that is new to the league and/or company.

Following an ever impressive 15 years BCHL Commissioner, which is longer than any other person at the helm of the BCHL, formerly the BCJHL is stepping down and it goes without saying that all of the leagues 17 franchise teams will miss his talent.

He succeeded Ron Boileau, who was league president in 2003 and made his mark alone on the league as did his predecessors.

Grisdale is the first person with the title of commissioner and he has held the league’s top job longer than any person in league history.

Prior to this he (Grisdale) was a partner for 18 years in a successful industrial insulation company.

His playing career following his graduation from NCAA Michigan Tech, saw him sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs only to be traded to the Canucks in 1974 that saw him spend the majority of his 250 game playing career as a Canuck.

Grisdale mentions “The BCHL has meant a lot to me and I’m happy with the work we’ve done but the time is right for me to step aside and let a new face run the show and I believe the league is in a good place and I think I’m leaving it in a better position than when I began so I take great pride in that.”

He continued “The strength of our league is in our history, 56 seasons now, and in our 17 member franchises. Our league enjoys an overwhelmingly positive reputation in the hockey world and there are so many people that deserve credit including our owners and coaches as well as our volunteers, billet families, broadcasters and marketing directors.”

During his stint as BCHL Commissioner it’s noted that BCHL teams have claimed five (5) RBC Cup National Junior A titles in addition to having 67 BCHL players selected in the NHL Entry Draft, which included five first-round draft selection.

For 2017-18, there are already 120 players in the BCHL committed to NCAA Div. I hockey, more than all the other Canadian Junior A leagues combined. By the end of this season, the BCHL should top its record set in the 2016-17 season of 151 college-committed players.

It was his (Grisdale) vision that ushered the BCHL into the Internet age with the creation of the league website for the 2003-04 season and the introduction of pay-per-listen audio broadcasts which have given way to today’s pay-per-view broadcasts of all games.

The league is a constant draw for scouts from the college and professional ranks and remains a destination of choice for players planning to advance to the next level.

Owner of the West Kelowna Warriors and the interim chairman of the BCHL board of directors Mark Cheyne stated “John’s contributions to the BCHL are significant and we certainly respect the job he’s done as commissioner.”

He continued “Because John established such a high standard when he started for the operation of the league, we now attract top players from across North America and have a proven record in developing them for college and pro hockey and for success in life.”

His last official day as commissioner will be June 1st and it’s noted that currently the BCHL Board of Governors has begun a search to find his successor.

The BCHL is starting to accept applications immediately, so if you feel you are qualified please contact the BCHL office.

Thanks to the BCHL office for the info.