A former player with the Cowichan Valley Capitals is helping to create a post-hockey network for B.C. Hockey League graduates.
Shayne Taker, who patrolled the Cowichan blueline from 2008-2010 before moving on to the University of Notre Dame and a brief professional career, and Derek Lee, a former Salmon Arm Silverbacks and Victoria Grizzlies player, have created the BCHL Alumni Association and encourage any former BCHLers to join their initiative. The BCHL has pledged its support to Taker and Lee’s efforts.
“Helping players transition from the ice to the work world is something that’s needed more attention and that’s what we’re hoping to offer,” Taker said in a release from the BCHL. “Athletes possess many skills that don’t necessarily show up on a resume so our alumni can seem behind other applicants when life after hockey begins. Being able to guide players in the right direction is instrumental to the success of our alumni and their overall happiness in the workplace.”
With an ever-increasing number of BCHL players moving on to college hockey and pro careers each season, there will be even more graduates that possess not only a great work ethic and team-first mentality but also an education to go along with it. Those skills translate well to employment opportunities and the BCHL Alumni Association will give members a chance to make that initial contact with a group or individual as a first step to success in the work place.
“Having a platform for all players and alumni to communicate, network and share business opportunities is something that’s long overdue,” said Lee, a former Salmon Arm Silverbacks and Victoria Grizzlies forward who played four years at Wisconsin before a career in Europe. “The BCHL Alumni Association can help streamline the daunting task of finding peers, colleagues and former teammates throughout the hockey world.”
The BCHL Alumni Association will be inviting alumni to an online forum and are currently building a contact database. Any BCHL alums who are interested in getting involved can contact the BCHL via email at feedback@bchl.ca
