Canadian Junior Hockey League Commissioner Brent Ladds is disappointed in the BCHL’s decision to leave.
The CJHL announced the league submitted a notice to withdraw their membership, effective March 24th.
In an interview with MyPGNow.com, Ladds admitted he doesn’t see a scenario where the league brokers a separate deal with Hockey Canada to remain eligible for events like the Centennial Cup, or World Junior A Challenge.
“That would be a challenge because those are the benefits of playing in the CJHL. I think from our perspective we probably would question the ability for them to access those benefits within the CJHL, especially with the agreement we have with Hockey Canada.”
The relationship got to a point where the BCHL came to the conclusion it wanted to pursue different avenues.
“I think there comes a time where people look in the mirror and try to evaluate the value of membership and what they might be able to do independently. I think they came to that crossroads and thought there were some better opportunities for the league,” added Ladds.
He mentioned this isn’t the first time the BCHL has thought about jumping ship.
“It was talked about in different intervals but more recently it was mentioned more within the last year.”
In the event the BCHL does decide to re-join the CJHL umbrella, Ladds stated there are a few hoops they would have to jump through.
“They would have to come to us with an application. I think under Hockey Canada regulations, once you come back into membership they define it as new members and there would be a three moratorium playing in the national championship,” said Ladds.
Prince George Spruce Kings General Manager Mike Hawes was approached for an interview but declined to comment.
The remaining nine leagues will continue through their partnership with Hockey Canada, which includes the presentation of the Centennial Cup national championship, the World Junior A Challenge, and the CJHL Prospects Game.
The two most well-known Junior A leagues outside of Canada are the United States Hockey League, which has 14 teams, and the North American Hockey League, which has 23 member clubs.
BCHL statement on the CJHL. pic.twitter.com/128qd8vL1q
— BCHL (@BCHockeyLeague) April 10, 2021
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