Frequently asked questions

What is BCHL?

BCHL is a A major-junior ice hockey league, typically for players 16–20. based in Canada. British Columbia Hockey League - Canadian Junior A (independent since 2023)

How many teams play in BCHL?

We currently track 21 teams in BCHL. Browse the full team list on this page and follow individual teams for updates.

What level of hockey is BCHL?

BCHL is classified as a junior league in the RinkStop directory. Major-junior leagues are sanctioned for amateur players aged roughly 16 to 20 and serve as primary development pipelines for professional hockey. The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and the United States Hockey League (USHL) are the best-known examples. Seasons run in line with the academic calendar and feature league-wide drafts to balance talent. Players retain college eligibility in some jurisdictions but not others; leagues outside the CHL typically preserve NCAA eligibility.

How can I follow BCHL games and results?

We do not currently have an official BCHL website on file. If you are associated with the league and can share a link to the official schedule, contact us and we will add it. The "Latest Highlights" section on this page reflects news and recents where available.

Where does BCHL operate?

BCHL is a Canada-based league and is part of the broader hockey structure in Canada. Ice hockey in Canada is organized by Hockey Canada and thirteen regional Member Branches. Canada fields the national men's and women's teams and is a founding member of the IIHF. The NHL — founded in Montreal in 1917 — operates seven Canadian franchises across Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) — formed from the OHL, WHL, and QMJHL — drafts players aged 16-20 each spring, while U Sports runs university hockey and provincial leagues cover senior amateur play. According to IIHF member-association data, Canada has approximately 3,500 indoor rinks and 5,000 outdoor rinks — the largest indoor-rink base of any country and the highest per capita.

How do I get involved with BCHL?

The most direct routes into BCHL are: (1) try out for one of the 21 teams listed in RinkStop, (2) reach out to the league office if listed, or (3) start in a local amateur or youth league and progress to BCHL level through tryouts. Use our hockey cost calculator for typical season costs by level.

How current is the data on this page?

League data on RinkStop is updated as teams, schedules, and rosters change. The "Last updated" line on this page shows when our record for BCHL was last refreshed. We also tag data with a source where one is available.