The BCHL held its annual Bauer Showcase at the Chilliwack Prospera Arena over a three day period with all teams playing a pair of games that saw the use of both rinks.
The main rink is the one that is better suited for scouts from various NHL clubs to watch the upcoming rising stars, while the annex rink is regulation size it has far less seating.
Regardless, the annex is suited for competitive level of Junior hockey as well as various levels of the minor game and gives the young players a sense of high level hockey.
The BCHL Bauer Showcase is a marquee event that draws not just scoots, but fans from various areas all of whom are in awe of the talent on display.
The event not only features the players, but also the referee’s and linesman, some of whom were brought in for a reassessment for possible upgrade in the officiating program.
Keeping a watchful eye on the official was Officiating Director and recently retired NHL Linesman Brad Lazarowich who has officiated 1971 regular season NHL games, 204 playoff games as well as three Stanley Cup Finals.
In conversation with Brad prior to the Surrey Eagles game Saturday, he mentioned that he is now in charge of discipline for the BCHL as well as his other duties, so it goes without saying that he is indeed a busy person.
He has an understanding of what he’s looking at as far as development goes, which is yet another reason why he is working in the development area this season for the AHL, closely working with the NHL.
Prior to the final Bauer Showcase there were 14 officials that were brought to the ice and introduced with all looking at a possible upgrade in the level system for Hockey Canada.
This introduction was a first class move by the BCHL which goes a long way as to how the officials have an understanding of the league.
The official ceremony was brief but professional and once the anthem was over it was on with the final BCHL Bauer Showcase game that saw Chilliwack play host to the Wenatchee Wild who ironically were the home team in this game.
In addition prior to the Surrey Eagles game I had the opportunity to chat with Ross Beebe who is the Educational Adviser for the BCHL and he answered all questions on recruitment, scouting, parental involvement as well as various other questions put forward and I thanked him for his time.
The event wrapped up a success to the surprise of no-one that also included a Governors meeting on Thursday with (I am told) various items on the agenda, none of which were made available to the public, but eventually we’ll hear of something.
It should be noted that this was the first BCHL Governors meeting for new Commissioner Chris Hebb who did mention to me that this was “an experience” he’ll never forget.
Congratulations to the BCHL for hosting another Bauer Showcase and thanks to the Chilliwack Chiefs for being such gracious hosts.
This event will continue to grow and get bigger and better and no doubt attracting more scouts in the years to come.
Photo Credit Garrett James
