British_Columbia_Amateur_Hockey_Association Knowpia

BC Hockey
Sport	Ice hockey
Jurisdiction	British Columbia and Yukon
Abbreviation	BC Hockey
Founded	1919
Headquarters	Victoria
Chairman	Stephanie White
CEO	Cameron Hope
Official website
	bchockey.net

The British Columbia Amateur Hockey Association, more commonly known as BC Hockey, is a non-profit organization and member branch of Hockey Canada in charge of governing amateur hockey at all levels in British Columbia and Yukon Territory. It comprises approximately 150 minor hockey associations, 55,000 players, 4,500 referees, and 20,000 official volunteers.

History edit

Founded in 1919 as the British Columbia Amateur Hockey Association, BC Hockey has seen many changes and substantial growth over the years. The organization continues to strive to provide training and resources for volunteers so that they may better serve the amateur hockey community.

In 2023, the Junior A British Columbia Hockey League withdrew from BC Hockey and Hockey Canada to become an independent league. The league cited improved recruitment opportunities for 16 and 17 year old players in Canada as well as anticipated improved interest from Americans and players outside of North America as important reasons for the decision.^[1] BC Hockey then announced plans to restructure its junior hockey framework.^[2] The three Junior B leagues (PJHL, KIJHL and VIJHL) were summarily designated as "Junior A Tier 2", with plans to conduct an independent evaluation of those teams seeking to be promoted to "Junior A Tier 1". It was expected that those teams promoted to Tier 1 would eventually apply for membership in the CJHL.^[3] The league expected the evaluations to be completed during the 2024—25 season.^[4]

Governance edit

The organization is overseen by a board of directors composed of 9 elected members.^[5]

Notable executives edit

Doug Grimston (1900–1955), BCAHA president from 1942 to 1947, and Canadian Amateur Hockey Association president from 1950 to 1952^[6]

Leagues edit

Kootenay International Junior Hockey League
Pacific Junior Hockey League
Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League
BC Elite Hockey League - U18 "AAA"
Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association

Independent teams edit

Fort St. John Flyers Senior "AAA" (North Peace Hockey League)
Powell River Regals Senior "AA"

Defunct Leagues edit

References edit

^ "BCHL pulls out of Hockey Canada, becomes an independent league". The Province. May 1, 2023.
^ "BC HOCKEY ANNOUNCES NEW JUNIOR A PATHWAY". bchockey.net. British Columbia Amateur Hockey Association. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
^ "BC HOCKEY JUNIOR A PATHWAY UPDATE". bchockey.net. British Columbia Amateur Hockey Association. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
^ "B.C. JUNIOR A LEAGUES PARTNER WITH BLACKFIN SPORTS GROUP". bchockey.net. British Columbia Amateur Hockey Association. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
^ "About BC Hockey".
^ "BC Hockey 100 Great Moments: BC Hockey Presidents". BC Hockey. January 14, 2019. Retrieved December 1, 2020.