The Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League, comprising 11 teams, announced on Monday its decision to sever ties with Hockey Canada, intending to operate independently starting next season. This move echoes the British Columbia Hockey League’s (BCHL) departure from Hockey Canada last June. Furthermore, five teams from the Alberta Junior Hockey League followed suit in January by joining the BCHL.
Relations between the two sides have been strained, with Hockey Canada criticizing the BCHL for recruiting American and European players, emphasizing its commitment to Canadian athletes. In response, BCHL CEO Chris Hebb questioned the motives behind Hockey Canada’s comments, citing that the majority of BCHL players are Canadian.
The BCHL cited Hockey Canada’s regulations on recruiting as a reason for its decision to break away. Similarly, the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) highlighted autonomy as a driving factor in its move towards independence.
The VIJHL’s shift is characterized as a decision driven by player interests, aiming to serve as a feeder system or affiliate league for the BCHL. However, players participating in non-sanctioned leagues after September 30 will be ineligible for Hockey Canada activities for the remainder of the season.
Concerns over limited opportunities prompted frustration among players and families, leading some to explore options outside their region. To mitigate such situations, the BCHL expanded its rosters, allowing for more players to participate.
Despite these changes, the BCHL remains renowned for its success in sending players to NCAA scholarships and winning national titles. The VIJHL, elevated to Junior A Tier II status in July, aims to fill the gap left by the BCHL’s departure from Hockey Canada.
Meanwhile, the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) and the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL) affirmed their commitment to Hockey Canada, emphasizing the distinctions in competitive levels between the leagues.
The departure from Hockey Canada necessitates the VIJHL to arrange its own insurance and officiating services. Similarly, the BCHL has faced similar challenges following its split from Hockey Canada.
The BCHL’s grievances with Hockey Canada are longstanding, including its withdrawal from the Canadian Junior Hockey League in 2021 and proposals for the modernization of the Canadian junior hockey system in 2022.
Notably, there are connections between the BCHL and the VIJHL, exemplified by shared leadership roles and ownership ties between teams.
Furthermore, the Peninsula Panthers of the VIJHL have been sold to Rich Murphy, who also owns a team in the BCHL, according to reports from the Victoria Times Colonist.
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