Image credit: Kamloops Storm

By Marty Hastings

STORM STAYING PUT

KIJHL, PJHL remain with Hockey Canada, while VIJHL cuts ties

Apr 29, 2024 | 3:38 PM

The B.C. Hockey Conference (BCHC) issued a statement on Monday (April 29) to reinforce its commitment to operating inside the Hockey Canada umbrella.

Earlier in the day, the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) announced its departure from the national governing body umbrella, opting to leave the Junior A tier 2 BCHC and operate independently.

With both the junior A B.C. Hockey League and VIJHL operating as independent leagues, players can freely move between both circuits.

The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, which includes the Kamloops Storm, Merritt Centennials and Chase Heat, and the Pacific Junior Hockey League remain in the BCHC and inside the Hockey Canada and BC Hockey ranks.

“Over the past year, we have been making the necessary efforts and investments to elevate to the Junior A level, with the ultimate goal of providing our players with a pathway to compete in the Centennial Cup, Canada’s national Junior A championship,” KIJHL commissioner Jeff Dubois said in a press release.

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In December of 2023, the BCHC engaged with Blackfin Sports Group, which is led by three former Canucks Sports & Entertainment executives, to develop an application and assessment process for KIJHL and PJHL teams to take the next step to full-fledged Junior A hockey, according to the press release.

The May 1 application deadline is approaching and the BCHC expects to make an announcement regarding next steps for its member leagues in early 2025.

Since 1981, the KIJHL, PJHL and VIJHL champions, along with a rotating host team, have participated in a provincial junior championship tournament known previously as the Cyclone Taylor Cup (to 2023) and now known as the Mowat Cup.

“We are very pleased with the progression of the KIJHL and PJHL as they move forward toward a strengthened Junior A in our province,” BC Hockey CEO Cameron Hope said in the press release.

“These leagues have shown a clear, ongoing commitment to prioritizing the safety, development and playing experience of B.C. and Yukon players. We are disappointed with the decision of the VIJHL team owners to operate outside the safe and organized community sport model of sanctioned hockey, but we wish them well.”