Leanna Kemp is Executive Director of the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce
CHILLIWACK – The Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce has skated in to address its concerns over the ongoing confusion regarding the BC Hockey League’s separation from Hockey Canada.
The Chilliwack Chiefs are one of the strongest franchises in the 17 team loop, and the Chamber position is that the situation has significant implications for the community, particularly for young families.
“At the heart of this issue are the young athletes whose opportunities for growth, both in hockey and in life, are being adversely affected,” the Chamber posted on its website. “Minor Hockey players are missing out on invaluable chances to play and interact with their BCHL idols. These experiences are crucial not only for their skill development but also for fostering a sense of community and sportsmanship.
“Similarly, BCHL players are being deprived of leadership and mentorship opportunities, roles instrumental in shaping these young athletes into responsible and contributing members of society, as well as future leaders.”
BC Hockey, as an affiliate of Hockey Canada, oversees amateur hockey in B.C. and the Yukon, encompassing minor hockey leagues. In contrast, the BCHL is a junior ice hockey league catering to higher-level competitive play, which voted to not continue under the governance of Hockey Canada earlier in 2023.
Because of that, minor hockey leagues, part of the BC Hockey structure and sanctioned by Hockey Canada, face challenges due to BCHL’s recent decision to operate independently. This change affects the relationship between these organizations and can impact various collaborative activities.
This separation could imply significant changes for minor hockey players. For instance, participation of minor hockey teams during BCHL game intermissions or collaborative coaching sessions with BCHL teams like the Chilliwack Chiefs might no longer be feasible. These activities, previously integral to the development and exposure of young athletes, are currently being deemed uncertain.
Currently, Minor Hockey Associations across the region are relaying messages to the community that is unfortunately inaccurate, and more specifically in the community of Chilliwack. This is due to a lack of effective communication from all levels. The Chilliwack has been in contact with both BC Hockey and Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association (PCAHA) with respect to these concerns and their roles in how this is affecting the community.
“We have not told anyone they cannot participate in events with member BCHL teams, but since the BCHL is non-sanctioned, they have been advised they will not be covered by Hockey Canada Insurance and the families will be on their own in this regard,” an email from the PCAHA to Chilliwack Chamber Executive Director states.
BC Hockey has stated that its primary and only concern is ensuring that Minor Hockey players and teams are aware that they should inquire about insurance and ensure that they have coverage when participating in intermission events, team events, 7th man or Junior official engagements. They stated that there are no other penalties or repercussions that they are aware of or that they enforce, however, that communities may implement their own policies if they so choose.
At least two BCHL teams have received official confirmation from BC Hockey allowing the continuation of various minor hockey events, should the organizations and teams be made aware that it is imperative that appropriate insurance is obtained for these events.
These include Timbit intermission games, 50/50 raffles, participation of minor hockey players in ice cleaning crews, 7th man and junior official roles, as well as team events. The leadership of these organizations stated that effective communication was key from the very beginning between all parties. www.chilliwackchamber.com
Source: Chilliwack Chamber & Business Examiner Staff
