Its the time of year when every league gathers together to discuss the recent past and the forseeable future. The BCHL did so last week.
Several issues were discussed, and changes were made both on and off the ice.
The BCHL will move to a 58 game schedule in 2013-14, up two games from last season. Each team will play 28 home and away games, plus two at the Bauer BCHL Showcase, being held in September 6th through 8th Chilliwack this September.
Teams will also now be allowed to announce transactions as soon as all players involved have been notified. Last year’s trades, signings and releases weren’t announced by teams until the following day. This should streamline the process of getting information out to the public in a more timely manner.
A new playoff structure hasn’t been agreed upon yet. Last season’t format didn’t sit will with team in the Coastal conference. Those teams had to play three playoff series (two best-of-fives and a best-of-seven) to reach the BCHL championship series, while the Interior conference required two best-of-sevens. Teams have been asked to submit their proposals for a new playoff system. The new system is expected to be announced before the BCHL Showcase this fall.
This season, players will now be using Bauer sticks. The league recently signed an equipment agreement with Bauer. Teams will face escalating fines if their players use anything else. Included in that agreement is a transition to a nearly “all Bauer lineup”. For protective gear such as helmets, gloves, and other equipment , teams will be allowed to use up the remaining new equipment from previous seasons, but future orders will be made through Bauer.
The Bauer BCHL Showcase Schedule is as follows:
Friday, Sept. 6:
3:30 p.m. – Secondary Rink – Penticton Vees vs. Victoria Grizzlies
4:00 p.m. – Main Rink – Merritt Centennials vs. Coquitlam Express
7:00 p.m. – Secondary Rink – Trail Smoke Eaters vs. Langley Rivermen
7:30 p.m. – Main Rink – Surrey Eagles vs. West Kelowna Warriors
Saturday, Sept. 7:
11:30 a.m. – Secondary Rink – Vernon Vipers vs. Surrey Eagles
12:00 p.m. – Main Rink – Victoria Grizzlies vs. Salmon Arm SilverBacks
3:00 p.m. – Secondary Rink – West Kelowna Warriors vs. Nanaimo Clippers
3:30 p.m. – Main Rink – Alberni Valley Bulldogs vs. Penticton Vees
6:30 p.m. – Secondary Rink – Prince George Spruce Kings vs. Cowichan Valley Capitals
7:00 p.m. – Main Rink – Powell River Kings vs. Chilliwack Chiefs
Sunday, Sept. 8:
10:30 a.m. – Secondary Rink – Salmon Arm SilverBacks vs. Powell River Kings
11:00 a.m. – Main Rink – Coquitlam Express vs. Alberni Valley Bulldogs
2:00 p.m. – Secondary Rink – Nanaimo Clippers vs. Prince George Spruce Kings
2:30 p.m. – Main Rink – Cowichan Valley Capitals vs. Trail Smoke Eaters
5:30 p.m. – Secondary Rink – Langley Rivermen vs. Merritt Centennials
6:00 p.m. – Main Rink – Chilliwack Chiefs. vs. Vernon Vipers – See more at:
