BCHL applies change

It will be tougher to make the B.C. Hockey League playoffs next season.

Morning Star Staff

It will be tougher to make the B.C. Hockey League playoffs next season.

Instead of 14 teams qualifying for the post-season, only eight will advance to the big dance in the 2011-12 season which will begin a week later than usual.

“This will accommodate the conclusion of the season being later and ensure a team is available when the Doyle Cup begins,” said commissioner John Grisdale.

“There will be just three rounds of playoffs as one round is being eliminated. This is meant to promote competitiveness in opening rounds though this change is on a trial basis and will be reviewed after the end of next season.”

Teams will be given an option to hold training camp starting in August as usual or push it back to September.

The league will be going back to a half-interlock schedule that will see each team play every other team but not necessarily visit all buildings. Regional rivalry games will be given more attention.

Rosters will be reduced to 21 players from 23 as in past years to promote player development and ensure more players dress for more games.

Each team must carry at least one 16-year-old and one 17-year-old player.

“This is an effort to develop homegrown B.C. players as with the reduced roster size, these younger players are guaranteed to dress for games,” said Grisdale.

– An October selection of affiliate players will be held. It is not a true draft and is meant to simply introduce 15-year-old players to the BCHL and keep them on affiliate rosters for the season. At the conclusion of the season, teams will not keep rights to these players.

 

“We’re confident these ideas will be embraced by our member clubs as we continue to work through our strategic plan,” said Grisdale. “The BCHL looks forward to implementing these changes and improving the product we put on the ice next season.”

 

 

Vernon Morning Star