The BC Hockey League (BCHL) says it will stay the course after the NCAA Div. I council voted Thursday, Nov. 7, players from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) will retain their eligibility to play for its teams.
Previously, players from the Western, Ontario and Quebec Maritimes junior hockey leagues were considered professionals by the top collegiate circuit in the United States, making them ineligible to play with or accept scholarships from Div. I teams. That often sent players looking to advance their education while playing hockey to second tier junior leagues like the BCHL, Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) or the US Hockey League.
The new rule takes effect Aug. 1, 2025. It doesn’t apply to players destined for Div. III teams.
In a statement posted to its social media platforms, the BCHL said it “remains committed to its development model of preparing student athletes for college hockey, on the ice, in the classroom and in the community.”
BCHL's statement regarding today's NCAA rule change. pic.twitter.com/O37UeKgyFl
— BCHL (@BCHockeyLeague) November 7, 2024
On its website the league lists more than 400 players who played at least 10 games in the BCHL currently at NCAA Div. I programs.
Coquitlam Express general manager Tali Campbell said he wasn’t in a position to immediately comment on the new eligibility rule.
But the team has invested heavily over the past year to build its own developmental system in conjunction with School District 43 that allows players as young as 13 to play on Coquitlam HC teams that are part of the Junior Prospects Hockey League while attending classes at Centennial or Port Moody secondary schools.
The Express has also improved its training and dressing room facilities, as well as introduced well-being programs to help make it a more attractive destination for potential players.
The moves were necessitated after the BCHL decided in 2023 to operate independently from Hockey Canada. That means its teams can no longer forge affiliation agreements with leagues that are still a part of Hockey Canada, like the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL) that includes the Port Moody Panthers and Port Coquitlam Trailblazers.
The BCHL said its independent status allows teams to recruit college-tracking players as young as 16 from across North America and even the United States and overseas.
Previously, players from outside British Columbia had to wait until their final two years of junior eligibility before they could join a BCHL program.
Last February, five teams from the AJHL also announced their intention to break away from Hockey Canada and were immediately absorbed by the BCHL. They’ve been integrated into the league’s schedule this season.
In its statement, the BCHL said it “has taken steps to improve our standards and enhance our resources for student athletes, while using our independence to our advantage.”
WHL commissioner Dan Near said in a statement the new eligibility rule will strengthen his league's ability to attract “the brightest elite hockey players in Western Canada and the Western U.S." for their development between the ages of 16 to 20.
Express on the road in Powell River
The Express look to make their way back to the top of the Coastal Conference standings with a pair of games against the last-place Powell River Kings, tonight, Nov. 8, and Saturday, Nov. 9, in Powell River.
Coquitlam slipped to third place after losing two of its last three games. The team is three points behind the Chilliwack Chiefs, which has 24 points in 21 games.
The second-place Alberni Valley Bulldogs has the same number of points as the Express, but has played one less game.
Coquitlam returns home to the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex for games Nov. 15 and 16 against the Bulldogs and Victoria Grizzlies. Both start at 7 p.m.
