Chilliwack Chamber concerned over the impact of BCHL, Hockey Canada split on Chilliwack athletes, families

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“At the heart of this issue are the young athletes whose opportunities for growth, both in hockey and in life, are being adversely affected. Minor Hockey players are missing out on invaluable chances to play and interact with their BCHL idols,” Chilliwack Chamber said. “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.”

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The Chilliwack Chamber says it has contacted both BC Hockey and PCAHA (Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association) with respect to these concerns and their roles in how this is impacting the community. BC Hockey has indicated 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 etc. 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.

PCAHA has stated that their primary and only concern is also that of insurance and that they are unaware of any other penalties or repercussions pertaining to the engagement of minor hockey teams and players in activities such as intermission games, 7th man or junior official opportunities, team events etc. In an email to the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, PCAHA executive director Carol Mcgregor says, “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.”

The Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce has reached out to Chilliwack Minor Hockey for comment as well as to request that they speak to representatives at both BC Hockey and PCAHA to seek clarification and understanding of the rules and policies that are in place so that they are sharing accurate information with CMHA’s players, coaches and families.

“Our hope is to ensure that all of these organizations are supported equally with factual information and a positive path forward for the benefit of our whole community,” the chamber said. “We also wanted to note that 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 Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce says it remains committed to supporting solutions that uphold the integrity of the sport and the wellbeing of young players.

“We believe in the power of hockey to build character, foster community spirit, and develop future leaders, and we advocate for a resolution that aligns with these values,” the chamber said.