Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League Goes Independent, Cutting Ties with BC Hockey and Hockey Canada

The Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) made a bold move this week by announcing its decision to go independent ahead of the 2024-25 season. The 11-team league has decided to cut ties with BC Hockey and Hockey Canada in order to pursue a new direction in the hockey landscape.

Executive director Shawn Vincent explained that the decision was driven by the players and their families who were frustrated with limited options for advancing to higher levels of hockey. By going independent, the VIJHL hopes to create more opportunities for its players to reach the next level of competition.

The VIJHL had previously been part of the B.C. Hockey Conference alongside the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League and the Pacific Junior Hockey League. However, the latter two leagues have chosen to continue operating under the Hockey Canada and BC Hockey umbrella.

Meanwhile, the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League has been elevated to junior A, tier two status for the upcoming season. The league has big plans for the future, including a pathway for its players to compete in the Centennial Cup, Canada’s national junior A championship.

With the addition of three new franchises for the 2024-25 season, including the North Okanagan Knights, Summerland Steam, and Merritt Centennials, the KIJHL is poised for growth and success in the coming years.

Overall, the hockey landscape in B.C. is undergoing significant changes, and the VIJHL’s decision to go independent is just the latest development in this evolving sports scene. Fans can expect to see some exciting competition and new opportunities for players in the seasons to come.