PRINCE GEORGE- It’s a historic day for Hockey in British Columbia.
June 1 will forever be a day to remember for those around the BCHL. Thursday the league became independent, cutting ties with Hockey Canada.
Creating a buzz on what this means for the BCHL.
“It means we are going to govern ourselves,” said Steve Cocker, the BCHL commissioner.
The league announced their intentions to separate from Hockey Canada one month ago, referencing challenges such as U18 athletes being restricted to playing only in their province of residence.
Wednesday, new roster rules were released. One of which states at least five athletes on the roster must be from BC, the same as last year, but now Players who move from out of province during or before the season won’t qualify.
As for the rest of the roster, teams will have more flexibility in recruiting. Teams across the league are now allowed two international players. Which the commissioner says commissioner is a good thing for the on-ice product.
“We are going to be the same league we were last year, but there’s going to be maybe a bit more talent and skill on the ice because of some of the restrictions openings,” said Cocker.
The question locally is how this will impact the Spruce Kings when Kopar Memorial Arena opens its doors this fall.
“I don’t necessarily think that it’s going to have very much impact on the fans coming to our games,” said Ethan Ready, the director of communications and broadcasting with the Spruce Kings.” We’re still going to have our local boys suited up with the Spruce Kings emblem on their chests.”
The next steps for the BCHL Now are training camps which open on September 1.
