Enjoy the read:

Academic Readiness Program

Governors discussed the league’s continuing focus on education, including the status of the newly implemented Academic Readiness Program.

• Academic Database has had over 2,000 views from college coaches since its inception
• BCHL alumni make up 47.4 per cent of all Ivy League hockey players (total of 74)
• 40 league alumni are currently captains or assistant captains at the NCAA Division I level

With the meeting coinciding with the BCHL Showcase, the league hosted Richard Wolfe and Shawn Burt from the Athlete Development Alliance at the event. 

Wolfe, in his role as the league’s academic consultant, was able to speak with college coaches and scouts about the Academic Readiness Program, receiving valuable feedback about the initiative.

“Since its inception in the summer, we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback on the league’s new Academic Readiness Program,” said BCHL Commissioner Steven Cocker. “The number of views that our Academic Database has received in such a short time shows that we are providing second-to-none academic and competitive exposure for our athletes, putting them in the best position possible to succeed at the collegiate level when it comes time for them to make the jump.”

“BCHL athletes have been engrained in the college pathway for years and know the importance that academics plays, as well as the rigours involved in juggling hockey and grades. This will continue to be a priority for our league as we strive to make the BCHL the most efficient and accessible league for colleges”.

The BCHL is continuing to explore ways to evolve the program, including more resources to aid in recruitment, entry requirements to schools and ensuring athletes are thriving once they have graduated from the league.

Scorecard

Governors also discussed the league’s Standards Scorecard, which was introduced in 2021 and has continued to evolve since.

As part of the BCHL’s ongoing mission to raise standards across the league, both on and off the ice, the Board was provided with an update on where teams stand and what the benchmark will be going forward.

“Since it was first implemented, our committees have worked tirelessly to overhaul the scorecard process over the years and, as a result, we have seen significant pay off across the league,” said Rich Murphy, owner of the Trail Smoke Eaters and Chair of the BCHL Board of Governors. “Our owners are competitive and are doing everything they can to show that their programs are among the best in, not only the BCHL, but junior hockey as a whole. Our newest members from Alberta that have hit the ground running since joining our league in 2024 with a number of great facilities and improvements. We are excited to see even more progress and development in the coming years.”

Business Workshop

The 20 team owners and business leaders conducted a Business Workshop during the second half of the day with organizations leading seminars on a wide variety of topics, including merchandise, events, hockey programming, restaurants, ticketing, lotteries and hockey camps and schools.

League Growth

The Board passed a new Strategic Growth Plan that identifies calculated opportunities for the league to grow in the near future.

The objectives of the growth plan include:

• Strategic growth in markets that push forward the league’s mandate in delivering a first-class athlete and community experience
• Protecting the quality of the league’s product
• Ensuring league-wide financial stability
• Building sustainable value for current and potential future franchises
• Continuing to enforce the BCHL’s role as a development pathway for student athletes

The post BCHL October Governors Meeting first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

When you finally get in touch with them after a while they just mention that they were busy, which is true, but being tardy isn’t an excuse when they are trying to promote amateur sports.

We recently received info from the BCHL regarding the league’s All-Star Weekend which is being held in Spruce Grove, Alta. at Thompson Family Arena Jan. 16 to 18, 2026 which is the home rink of the Spruce Grove Saints. 

The Saints joined the BCHL in 2024 and currently in their second full season that saw the new rink open September 19th and seats 1,665-seats with the team’s first regular season played in front of a packed house. 

 Commissioner Steven Cocker mentioned “The BCHL is excited to make our league-wide event debut in Alberta with this year’s All-Star Weekend in Spruce Grove,” 

He continued “We witnessed firsthand this state-of-the-art facility at the Saints’ home-opener and were immediately impressed by the facility and local support. We can’t wait to get out there in January and showcase the best the league has to offer.”

Saints owner Lindsey Leckelt mentioned “Being awarded the 2026 BCHL All-Star Weekend is a tremendous honor for the Spruce Grove Saints and the City of Spruce Grove,” 

Continuing on to mention “The Thompson Family Arena will provide a state-of-the-art experience for this showcase and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome players, families and fans from across the league.”

“This event is about more than hockey – it’s a celebration of our community’s spirit, hospitality and passion for the game. We’re proud to share this milestone with our supporters and look forward to creating memories that will last a lifetime.”

This is the fourth time the BCHL will host All-Star Weekend in recent years with last season’s event taking place in Salmon Arm, B.C.

For the second year in a row, the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) will be part of the event, and this year, the Junior Prospects Hockey League (JPHL) will also participate in the festivities.

“Since we debuted this event in 2022, it has become one of the most anticipated weekends on the BCHL calendar,” said Connor Ewert, Events Manager for the league. “This year, we are looking forward to introducing an exciting new format that will give the fans in Spruce Grove a unique and entertaining experience, while also keeping the foundation of what makes this event special.”

No doubt the game will be played in front of a packed house!!

The post BCHL All-Star Game In Spruce Grove first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

The Eagles enter 2025-26 with a new head coach and general manager after Scott Gomez stepped down at the end of last season. 

Gomez, who guided the team to the 2023-24 Fred Page Cup as an assistant coach before taking over behind the bench, has accepted a new position with the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League. 

Veteran BCHL coach Brian Passmore takes over the role in Surrey, bringing experience from previous stints with the Cowichan Valley Capitals and Merritt Centennials. 

Passmore inherits a roster in transition, with the Eagles aiming to build on their regular season success while addressing shortcomings exposed in the 2025 playoffs. 

The 2024-25 campaign was considered a transition year following the championship run two seasons ago. 

Surrey finished second in the Coastal Conference with a 31-18-5 record, trailing only the Chilliwack Chiefs. 

Despite the strong finish, the Eagles were eliminated in the first round of the BCHL Playoffs by the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. 

The series ended in five games, highlighted by a triple-overtime thriller in Game 4 that swung momentum in Alberni Valley’s favour. 

The Bulldogs sealed the upset at South Surrey Arena in Game 5, ending Surrey’s season earlier than expected. 

The loss underscored the need for roster adjustments, particularly with several veterans aging out of junior hockey eligibility. 

The Eagles have been active this summer, recruiting both local and international talent.

Among the new additions are forwards Ji Hyun Jang and Yoon Min Shin from Yonsei University in Korea, providing skill and speed up front. 

Closer to home, Surrey signed forwards Lucas Biros from the Vancouver NE Chiefs U18 and Evan Cook from Yale U18 Prep.

Both are expected to compete for roster spots and bring fresh energy to the forward group. 

A significant pickup is forward Lucas Di Giantommaso, who arrives from the Ontario Hockey League’s Sudbury Wolves. 

At 19, Di Giantommaso adds size and offensive upside, and is projected to play in Surrey’s top six. 

The Eagles open training camp Aug. 29 at South Surrey Arena, beginning preparations for the 2025-26 season. 

Camp will feature intersquad scrimmages that culminate in the inaugural Nick Johnston Cup on Sept. 1. 

The final scrimmage of camp is open to the public, with puck drop at 6:30 p.m. Admission is by donation, with a $5 minimum. 

Proceeds will go toward the Eagles’ Birds and Buddies community program, which connects players with local schools and youth initiatives. 

The Eagles will rely on a blend of experienced returnees and new talent to establish themselves as contenders in the Coastal Conference. 

With a new coach in place and a retooled roster, expectations are high as Surrey seeks to return to championship form. 

As the 2025-26 season approaches, the team faces the challenge of building consistency while integrating fresh players into key roles. 

For fans, the upcoming campaign marks not only a new chapter under Passmore’s leadership but also another opportunity for Surrey to establish itself among the BCHL’s elite.

The post Surrey Eagles Prepare For 64th Season – New Coach/Fresh Roster first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

While many think that this is an easy process, the concern for teams is that they still have players at various camps all looking to take the next step in their career which they have worked extremely hard at.

It’s not just the next step for the player that is a concern for the player but also the parent given that there are so many choices that come into play.

If you live in BC players have to make a choice of playing in the sanctioned PJHL or their rival outlaw league as it is  currently relocated by Hockey Canada after the league pulled out of hockey Canada.

In conversation with some two things came into play with the first being does the BCHL become non-sanctioned and second how will this affect the league attracting players both of which were obviously discussed at length.

The other concern that was obviously discussed was the issue regarding officials who were either working the league or how would they fill the void left if they had a mass exodus?

I for one know that there were several officials who not only questioned the move but also their future in the officiating world.

Given the way officiating continues to change the other issue officials face is the NHL combine which invites retired players to “try their hand” at officiating which has its pros and cons depending on who you ask?

There is no question that they know how to play but entering the officiating world offers a new outlook on the game and then there is the abuse officials face in their career and this isn’t just for new and young officials but all officials.

Regardless of sanctioned or non-sanctioned leagues officials still have the luxury to officiate training camps and scrimmages during the summer months which for some is their part-time job.

As of press time we are hearing that the IIHF has recently certified  47 Canadian officials (24 Ref’s and 23 Linesman) who are set to officiate International hockey.

Taking the next chapter in their officiating career and advancing to the IIHF’s Road to Milano program, following the competition for an assignment to the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. are included referees Jenn Berezowski, Michael Campbell, Brandy Dewar, Mike Langin, Élizabeth Mantha, Amy Martin, Michelle McKenna and Shauna Neary, as well as linespersons Jessica Chartrand, Alexandra Clarke, Laura Gutauskas, Justine Todd, Tarrington Wyonzek and Erin Zach.

Adding to this list are eight who are looking to make their international debuts this season are:referees Danny Emerson, Adam Forbes, Audrey-Anne Girard and Ty Skene, and linespersons Pierre-Olivier Couture, Nathan Howes, Amy Laroche and Brennan Walker.

Leaving this illustrious list of officials are Brayden Arcand (Hockey Alberta), Chad Huseby (Hockey Alberta), Danika Kroeker (BC Hockey) and Brett Mackey (BC Hockey)..

Regardless of where your career takes you don’t get discouraged by some who bring more negativity to officiating rather than supporting today’s officials.

WITHOUT OFFICIALS – THERE’S NO GAME!!!!!

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The post Officiating – A Rewarding Career first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Jagraj has been my  broadcast partner for games broadcast live on Eastlink TV Tuesday nights as well as the Richmond Sockeyes in the PJHL as well  as broadcasting games for the Surrey Eagles in the BCHL and again this year the Delta Islanders Junior Lacrosse program.

For the “team” of Jag and Jarman I personally am pleased to know them both knowing that this is  a major step for not only them but also the CEBL Vancouver Bandits which should be doing all games, but that’s a business decision for the team.

The following is the press release sent out by the team – Enjoy the read!! 

The Vancouver Bandits and Connect FM are proud to announce the continuation of their groundbreaking partnership to broadcast select 2025 Bandits home games in Punjabi, marking the second straight season of inclusive, community-driven basketball storytelling on air.

In 2024, the Bandits and Connect FM made history by becoming the first team in Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) history to deliver a live Punjabi radio broadcast on June 1, 2024. 

This milestone moment resonated with fans across the Lower Mainland and the global South Asian diaspora, creating space for representation, access, and cultural celebration through basketball.

“As a radio platform, Connect FM has always focused on organizing and partnering with initiatives that involve projects benefiting our community. Our partnership with the Vancouver Bandits is purely based on the idea of offering something that has never been done before, “ said Tejinder Singh, director – strategy & operations of Connect Media Network. 

Connect FM’s live broadcast of CEBL games in Punjabi was well received by our audience in 2024. This year, listeners will have a great experience of catching the game updates live in Punjabi language again.”

Bringing the action will be play-by-play broadcaster Jagraj Lalli and analyst Jarman Chahal, who together bring experience from Hockey Night In Canada: Punjabi Edition, the BC Hockey League as well as several broadcasting stints with various leagues and community events throughout the Lower Mainland region.

Connect FM will provide live Punjabi commentary for eight marquee Bandits home games this season. Fans can tune in across multiple platforms:

• Online:​ connectfm.ca → Click Listen LIVE Surrey FM 91.5
• App:​Connect FM Canada (available via App Store & Google Play)
• Radio: 91.5 FM in Surrey and surrounding areas

2025 Punjabi Radio Broadcast Schedule on Connect FM:

• Saturday, May 24 – vs. Edmonton Stingers | 7:00 PM
• Sunday, June 1 – vs. Calgary Surge | 5:00 PM
• Saturday, June 14 – vs. Montreal Alliance | 7:00 PM
• Friday, June 20 – vs. Winnipeg Sea Bears (South Asian Heritage Night) | 7:00 PM
• Saturday, June 28 – vs. Saskatchewan Rattlers | 7:00 PM
• Sunday, July 6 – vs. Brampton Honey Badgers | 5:00 PM
• Sunday, July 20 – vs. Edmonton Stingers | 5:00 PM
• Sunday, August 3 – vs. Winnipeg Sea Bears | 5:00 PM
  

“The return of our Punjabi radio broadcast is a meaningful step in our continued commitment to inclusion,” said Dylan Kular, Vancouver Bandits team president. “This partnership with Connect FM not only brings the game to Punjabi-speaking fans but also celebrates the vibrant South Asian community that is a proud part of our team’s identity and culture. Punjabi will not be the only language we explore for Vancouver Bandits live stream and radio broadcasts.”

### 

For Vancouver Bandits media inquiries, please contact:

Justin Sulpico, Senior Manager, Brand & Communications, (604) 626-8513, media@thebandits.ca

About the Vancouver Bandits:

The Vancouver Bandits are British Columbia’s professional basketball team. As the westernmost club in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Bandits offer an entertainment experience that combines a fast-paced game day atmosphere with a presentation of some of Canada’s top professional athletes within a world-class venue at Langley Events Centre (LEC).

About the CEBL:

A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 73% of its rosters being Canadian and more than 10 players with NBA game experience in 2025. 

Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, NCAA programs, as well as U SPORTS and CCAA. 

More than 20 players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. 

The CEBL season runs from May through August with games broadcast live on CEBL+ powered by Tonybet, TSN, TSN+, RDS, Game+ and Next Level Sports & Entertainment. 

More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.

The post Bandits Broadcast Team On Connect FM first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

So what’s in it for Penticton given the move with the first thing that comes to mind is a much higher exposure and brand of hockey and not that the BCHL was’t top quality but some still question the move out of Hockey Canada.

Being branded as an outlaw league reminds me of the days ago when the Junior World Hockey Association started up and BC Hockey was hard pressed against welcoming them to the Association.

As with most sports when any team wants to join into a league of branch that has been working for years the mainstay league or organization is dead-set against any league wanting to join.

In a recent conversation at a WHL game some still question why politics continues to be a major stumbling block in today’s world which all goes back to keeping kids out of sport.

It’s obvious that the cost wasn’t a small amount but rather something that was extremely costly to the ownership as well as paying a territorial fee to possibly the Rockets and the Blazers.

Territorial rights aren’t something new as they go back a few decades when the talk was about Hamilton getting an NHL franchise that would have seen them play rights to the Leafs.

Without sounding overly aragrant it’s fair to say that the WHL is a higher caliber level of hockey that has in the past has players advance from the BCHL to WHL but in today’s hockey world that won’t happen.

One can dream that having the issue of “outlaw league” will one day get resolved but let’s not hold our breath and this can best be described as having this stand-off is like a shoot-out at the OK Corral in yesteryear.

The upcoming year will see Penticton added to the WHL and it’s rumored that the following season Chilliwack will enter into the fold that will see the City have three Junior teams unless the BCHL team moves out.

They would involve the Chilliwack Chiefs, Chilliwack Jets in the PJHL and quite possibly see the Chilliwack Bruins enter using an old name in the history archives when they played out of the old Chilliwack Coliseum.

If you talk to some that were around then that was when hockey was far more physical, aggressive and demanded hockey that had rules unlike today’s rules.

Sure the game was aggressive and  the rules in place helped set the rule standard of today but every decade changes were implemented with the one  that some still question being the centre line off-side pass.

The following is a statement released by the BCHL. Enjoy the read:

The BCHL acknowledged today that ownership of the Penticton Vees has acquired a Western Hockey League (WHL) expansion team, beginning in the 2025-26 season, and the City of Chilliwack has been identified as a WHL expansion location for 2026-27.

Vees ownership will retain its membership in the BCHL and will look to relocate in the near future, while the Chiefs organization, who had no involvement in the city’s WHL expansion process, remains committed to the BCHL and has already formally indicated they will play in the league in 2025-26, expressing their commitment beyond that as well.

“The BCHL remains committed to advancing its position as one of the world’s premier college-tracking junior hockey leagues,” said Rich Murphy, Chairman of the BCHL Board of Governors. “We thank the Vees organization for their contributions to the league and we look forward to continuing to work with them as they move forward with their relocation. In addition, we are pleased to have the Chiefs organization in the BCHL next season and beyond.”

“Our focus remains firmly on the future, one that is filled with opportunities for growth and league unity, while continuing our commitment to developing elite student athletes,” continued Murphy. “The BCHL continues to evolve as junior hockey undergoes significant changes, but its foundation remains solid. The league is committed to its mission of creating an environment for student athletes to develop, not only on the ice, but away from it as well, in the gym and in the classroom.”

As a member of the BCHL, there will be no interruption to the Vees current season. Further details about their relocation will be provided at a later date.

Let’s wait and see what the future holds for hockey in the valley and oh yea – the PJHL as well.

Things are on the move for hockey in BC!!!!

The post Penticton Moves From BCHL To WHL first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Brad Lazarowich is the Vice President of Hockey Operations for the BCHL and has his sights set on development not just for the officials but also the league.

While everyone has their own opinions on the way officiating is being handled at all levels of th game the game simply can not and will not succeed without quality officiating.

True there is a separation in the world of officiating from the BCHL and Hockey Canada which one day might get solved, but don’t hold your breath cause politics is strange at the best of times.

Say and think what you want we just received the following from the BCHL and wanted to share it with anyone who might be interested in officiating.

Enjoy the read:

The BCHL announced today it will be hosting the league’s first ever Officiating Combine May 31 and June 1 in Langley, B.C.

Held at the Langley Sportsplex, the Officiating Combine will include on-ice sessions, classroom work, fitness testing and more. It will also give former players the chance to consider officiating as a career.

“We are excited to launch this officiating event for the first time,” said the BCHL’s Vice President of Hockey Operations and former NHL official Brad Lazarowich. “This camp offers an excellent opportunity for officials to advance their careers by developing skills and getting evaluated by BCHL officiating personnel. Officials will have the opportunity to work games in an environment that will showcase their skill sets for a chance to join our staff.”

“The BCHL’s officiating track record speaks for itself. After just two years as an independent league, we have regularly sent our staff to the NHL Officiating Combine, which has directly led to promotions to the American Hockey League.”

Details

• Dates: May 31 to June 1, 2025
• Location: Langley Sportsplex – Langley, B.C.
• Cost: $300 per person
• Camp open to male and female officials
• Two lunches and one dinner provided
• Space is limited

Click here to apply. Deadline for applications is Friday, May 16.

The post BCHL Announces First Ever Officiating Combine first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

All teams in the PJHL played 48 games that saw the Sockeyes finish with an impressive record of 32 wins, 11 losses, 3 overtime losses, 2 shootout losses while grabbing a commanding 244 goals for and 137 against.

It’s the time of the season that given where they sit in the standings Head Coach Cullen Revel can manage the roster to “sit out” the odd player that allows him to dress extra players who fill roster slots.

In doing so it allows Cullen and staff to evaluate or rather watch the growth of future players who are focused on “cracking” the roster for the upcoming season.

The Sockeyes continue their involvement with various teams, clubs and organizations within the City offering them the opportunity to embrace a “Sockeyes night” welcoming them to the organization.

In conversation with various individuals and organizations they continue to tell me “they are extremely impressed with not only the on-ice product of the Sockeyes but also the professional manner in which they deal with all organizations.”

January saw the return of the Alumni Game that saw an impressive crowd on hand to take in the fun festivities in addition to watching the talent from former Alumni players as well as the current roster.

Reaching out means literally that they attended the Minoru Centre for Active Living where the Clinics offers in-person information on a wide range of programs, services and supports specifically for those 55+ years that live in Richmond.

In addition they also had a special night focused on working with the BC Special Olympics with proceeds going to the program as the Tunnel Series returned with the Delta Ice Hawks focused on pulling out a win.

The Sockeyes were elated to send players to the PJHL All-Star game hosted by the Port Coquitlam Trailblazers that saw all players live up to all expectations as to why they were named to the roster.

With the regular season wrapping up the Sockeyes finished the regular season February 5th hosting to the Coastal Tsunami that saw them easily dismantle the Tsunami pulling off an impressive 8-1 win.

They dominated the Tsunami, outshooting the visitors by an impressive 46-24 margin that saw Alex Kielmann named the game’s first star, Nicholas Noren second star and Caleb Cruz the game’s third star.

With the playoffs around the corner the match-up would see them face-off against the White Rock Whalers that saw them dominate game one pulling out a commanding 7-2 win.

Game two of the best of seven series saw them return home that saw a close tight checking game that saw the game tied after one with the Whalers getting the game’s first goal only to have Nicholas Kolb getting the tying goal 2;09 later.

The game remained tied until  the third when William Huo got his first giving the Sockeyes a 2-1 lead in a contest that saw the Whalers pull their “tender” in the late stage of the third that saw William Huo get his second of the game and the clinching game winning goal.

The Sockeyes hold a 2-0 series lead with game three hitting the ice February 20th at 7 pm.

Catch exciting Sockeyes PJHL Playoff Hockey at the Minoru Arena; commonly known to those in the hockey world as the “Fish Tank”

The post Sockeyes Focused On Winning first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.