Image: Chilliwack Chiefs celebrate a goal / X @Chiefs_Hockey / File

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Minor Hockey Restrictions

Minor hockey organizations caught up in dispute between Hockey Canada and BCHL

Nov 24, 2023 | 8:29 AM

CHILLIWACK — The BC Hockey League is accusing Hockey Canada of bullying and restricting opportunities for minor hockey players in the B.C. Lower Mainland. The league’s Executive Committee has sent a letter to Federal Sport Minister Carla Qualtrough alleging Hockey Canada has launched a systematic and vengeful campaign to hurt the BCHL.

Earlier this year, the BCHL terminated its association with Hockey Canada, citing the latter’s refusal to engage in discussions about rules perceived to hinder the development of amateur hockey players. Following the decision, the league alleges Hockey Canada has taken deliberate measures to obstruct the BCHL’s operations.

The Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association (PCAHA), responsible for governing minor hockey in the Lower Mainland, claims to quote BC Hockey policy in a letter to local minor hockey associations. The quote warns of potential sanctions if associations align themselves with the BCHL through advertisements, promotions, or volunteer activities. The PCAHA falls under the governance of BC Hockey and in turn Hockey Canada.

In Chilliwack, repercussions have affected minor hockey Timbit games between periods at Chilliwack Chiefs games. The Chiefs can no longer use minor hockey teams for those games. In several locations, the seventh-man program is no longer supported by minor hockey associations. The program allows young players to enjoy the thrill of being on the ice with BCHL teams during the national anthem.

The BCHL alleges that a volunteer official in Prince George faced a ban from minor hockey earlier this season for associating with the BCHL’s Prince George Spruce Kings. Reinstatement only occurred after a Prince George Member of Parliament intervened by writing a letter to BC Hockey, expressing concern about the situation.

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A letter circulating from the PCAHA encourages minor hockey associations to divert their support away from the BCHL and its teams. Instead, the letter recommends backing Pacific Junior Hockey League teams, the Vancouver Giants of the WHL, and the Vancouver Canucks and Abbotsford Canucks.

The BCHL contends that Hockey Canada’s actions contradict its mission statement, which includes to “lead, develop, and promote positive hockey experiences.” Beyond the impact on young minor hockey players, the league argues that Hockey Canada’s actions hinder its ability to operate as a business. It questions the appropriateness of a federally funded organization threatening punishment for Canadians supporting specific businesses.

In response to these issues, the BCHL Executive Committee is seeking a meeting with Federal Sport Minister Carla Qualtrough to discuss the situation further. The committee intends to inquire about how Hockey Canada’s policies, connected to the issue, align with the well-being of young Canadians and the interests of Canadian businesses.

Fraser Valley Today reached out to Hockey Canada for comment on the allegations but did not receive a response.