While it has been years in the making, Junior hockey in BC once again takes centre stage taking their game to a level it hasn’t been at for past decades.
Conversation from one arena to another regardless of where you might have visited at one point or another the conversation arose about the status of Junior hockey in BC.
Everyone knows that the BCHL withdrew from Hockey Canada and depending on who you spoke with everyone has their own point of view as to if it was right or wrong.
It’ll take a while before everyone fully understands how this affects not just junior hockey but in particular the players, coaches, trainers, team personnel as well as the officials.
If you are currently involved in the BCHL you are currently “black listed” from competing in any Hockey Canada sanctioned event and right or wrong it’s hurting some parts of the game.
Everyone had to make a choice as to where they wanted to play or be involved in and since then it’s opened the door for various as I was told by some parents renegade or outlaw non-sanctioned leagues.
In the end it’s the parents that are in deep conversation with the Son about what route they want to take for their hockey career.
In light of this and since the BCHL pulled out of Hockey Canada the Province of BC had no representation at the National Junior A Hockey Centennial Cup Championship.
Given this move we watched the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL), the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) step forward to take up the void.
Let’s not forget that the PJHL formerly the WCJHL has had players advance their career first to the WHL and eventually the NHL level of the game.
In addition the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) also initially were in the fold to also take the next step, but after much consultation they made the decision to become a “feeder league” for the BCHL which we hear was a monetary issue.
Since then the PJHL and the KIJHL worked with Blackfin Sports Group to set in place an assessment or evaluation of all teams in the above two leagues for a possible movement to Junior A Hockey.
The process was long with various questions each team was required to fulfill from what I heard was a long list of requirements to play Junior A Hockey which defined their structure from both a business operations and governance standpoints.
Key individuals were involved from the two above leagues and once Blackfin had finalized their assessment the teams were notified who would play at the Tier 1 level and who would play at the Tier 2 level in BC.
The first team to make the official announcement was the Richmond Sockeyes of the PJHL also mentioning that out of the 15 teams seven would advance to the Junior A level with the remaining eight playing at the Tier 2 level.
At present no one is sure what and if they will be conferences, divisions or leagues but we are hearing that they will not be crossing over to play against each other.
The top seven in Tier 1 are the Delta Ice Hawks, Richmond Sockeyes, Chilliwack Jets, Ridge Meadows Flames, Coastal Tsunami, Grandview Steelers and the Langley Trappers.
The remaining eight will remain playing Tier 2 for the coming season but the following season some might move up to Tier 1 level.
That alone is a huge step for some teams and without telling you who might or might not move you can make the choice on your own.
Thursday saw the Richmond Sockeyes hold the first press conference to officially announce that they have been approved to play in the Tier 1 Conference.
League Commissioner Trevor Alto did mention that both Tier 1 and 2 will be operating under the umbrella of the current PJHL rather than have a new league which makes perfect sense to those in the hockey community.
Thursday’s press conference was remarkable and extremely professional in all aspects with several dignitaries on hand who were representing the City of Richmond, the Province of BC, the Federal Government as well as the Richmond Sockeyes.
The BC Hockey CEO Cameron Hope stated “The Junior A pathway continues to evolve and we are very pleased with the progress to this point.”
He continued “The leagues continue to make solid decisions based on what is best for the long-term success of Junior A hockey in our region and their leagues. It has been of paramount importance for BC Hockey, the KIJHL, the PJHL as well as our partners and supporters that this process is done correctly.”
Looking at this in a positive manner not only will this grow the league it will help BC Hockey develop their officiating program.
Meaning that if the assignor wanted to develop any official at the Junior level the only way in which to do so was to put them in a game and thankfully all games were under the guidance of four officials.
Depending on who you asked and let’s not forget the league used both male and female officials to work the games as a referee and a linesperson being politically correct.
It’s fair to say that everyone who did the games for the most part did exceptional while others continue to work on their officiating skills but regardless officiating is a thankless task.
The above process wasn’t easy with teams being forced to make an honest assessment of what and where they want to play and if you look at the list in Tier 2 you’ll understand why they chose to stay in the Tier 2 level of the game.
The press conference was well attended from media outlets to dignitaries to long time volunteers who the game would not continue without their ongoing support.
We’ll keep you in the loop about other Junior events in the near future.
In addition the day prior Doug Paterson owner of the Richmond Sockeyes was presented with the prestigious recognition of receiving the King Charles Coronation Medal
About Sportswave
SICAMOUS HOUSEBOATS
North Delta Business Association
Delta Strong
Visaic Media
X-Treme Threads
