BCHL announces divisional alignments, universal affiliates and a pilot project for next season

After a season that saw many changes in its first year as an independent league, the BCHL announced more changes are on the horizon after holding their 2024 annual general meeting.

First and foremost, with the five Alberta-based teams set to be fully integrated into the BCHL next season, the league announced new divisional alignments.

The league will maintain its current playoff structure and five teams will not make the postseason, two in the Coastal Conference and three in the Interior Conference.

There will be 54 regular season games and a coaches challenge pilot at the 2024 BCHL Showcase.

The pilot will allow coaches to challenge plays that were not penalized and if the challenge fails, the team will be handed a delay of game penalty.

The BCHL will also see the addition of universal affiliates from the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) and Junior Prospects Hockey League (JPHL), allowing players from either league to dress for any BCHL team next year.

“This new system will allow them to experience different league markets and organizations to better help them make a decision, should they play in the BCHL full time in the future,” reads a news release.

The BCHL also announced today that Penticton Vees owner Graham Fraser has stepped down from his position as the head of the league’s board of governors and that Trail Smoke Eaters owner Rich Murphy will take his place.

“This is an incredible honour, not only for me, but for Trail – the smallest market in the league, but one that has had a profound and historical impact on Canadian hockey, said Murphy.

“I share the honour and joy of holding this important position with my team and with our community.”