BCHL pulls away from Hockey Canada to become independent league
has been coming for a while but official yesterday that the BCHL has cut ties with Hockey Canada.
Interesting move for what is the strongest JR A league in the country. Will be interesting if other leagues follow suit. I believe the AJHL is considering a similar route.
I'd like to think I understand the different routes fairly well, but its not a story I"ve been following. I watched the video and I found it as a pretty vague 6 minutes
essentially although there were still be roster minimum on BC players this allows the BCHL to 'poach/accept' kids under 18 from across the country and internationally ? is that the main crux of it (plus maybe a few more showcase events?)
if so I guess if AJHL etc do not follow suit it seems this will be a one way siphon of talent (of the younger players?)
if so I guess if AJHL etc do not follow suit it seems this will be a one way siphon of talent (of the younger players?)
The best U18s that aren't in the CHL are likely going to the USHL to get a bit more NCAA exposure. Brooks was losing players every few years to a USHL team. Would expect that to continue, but the path might now be BCHL to USHL to NCAA.
__________________ It's only game. Why you heff to be mad?
Slightly OT but I wonder if the emergence of NIL in the NCAA will change how they define or view 'professional' sport and whether that may lead to a change in how CHL players are viewed in terms of eligibility in the NCAA. That could change the dynamic entirely for leagues like the BCHL, AJHL etc. who are the traditional feeders for the NCAA in Canada.
Hockey Canada is looking at forming its own Junior 'A' league in British Columbia now that the BCHL has left to become an unsanctioned league. 2024-2025 is very likely if it happens. Something to watch.
BCHL pulls away from Hockey Canada to become independent league
