British Columbia Amateur Hockey Association

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

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. BC Hockey then announced plans to restructure its junior hockey framework. 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. The league expected the evaluations to be completed during the 2024-25 season. In April 2024, the VIJHL announced that it would also withdraw from the Hockey Canada framework and become an independent farm league for the BCHL beginning in the 2024-25 season.

Governance

The organization is overseen by a board of directors composed of 9 elected members.

Notable executives

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

Leagues

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

Independent teams

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

Defunct Leagues

• British Columbia Senior Hockey League
• Cariboo Hockey League
• Central Interior Hockey League
• Okanagan Mainline League
• Pacific Coast Junior Hockey League
• Pacific Northwest Hockey League
• Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League
• West Kootenay League
• Western International Hockey League

See also

• List of ice hockey teams in British Columbia

References

External links

• BC Hockey official website
• PIJHL official website