BCHL Evolution: League Unveils Groundbreaking Changes for 2025-26 Season
A New Era for British Columbia Hockey League
The British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) stands as an independent Canadian Junior ice hockey league with 20 teams across British Columbia and Alberta. The league, which was formerly classified as a Junior “A” league within Hockey Canada, gained independence in 2023 and now operates as a standalone junior ice hockey league.
Major Structural Changes for 2025-26
The BCHL is implementing significant changes for the 2025-26 season, returning to a four-division format: Coastal West, Coastal East, Interior West, and Interior East, with each division consisting of five teams. The league has unveiled a 54-game regular season schedule, featuring new divisional alignment and a revamped playoff format designed to enhance rivalries and optimize travel.
The upcoming season is scheduled to begin on Friday, September 19, and conclude on Sunday, March 29. All 20 teams will play an equal number of games, including participation in the annual BCHL Showcase, set for October 12-16.
Playoff Structure and Division Alignment
The Fred Page Cup playoffs will feature a new format in the 2025-26 season. The top four teams from each division will advance to the playoffs, with fifth-place teams being eliminated. The postseason will consist of two rounds of divisional playoffs, followed by conference finals (Coastal vs. Coastal, Interior vs. Interior), culminating in the Fred Page Cup Final. This format returns to a traditional structure where divisional rivalries lead to regional championships, featuring more localized competition.
League’s Growing Impact
The BC Hockey League continues to demonstrate its strength as a premier source of NHL-caliber talent, even while operating independently from the Hockey Canada system. The new structure promises enhanced fan engagement, with shorter travel distances promoting stronger home support and more frequent rivalry matchups.
The league continues to break new ground, recently making history by granting exceptional status to Eli McKamey, allowing him to enter the league at age 15. The Vancouver Island native’s early entry into the Penticton Vees has garnered significant attention, particularly following his college commitment.
