What’s Happening With Junior Hockey?

Given the uncertainty with Junior hockey which all surrounds the NCAA, CHL or the Major Junior Leagues as well as all Provincial Junior teams in provinces we are hearing about uncertainty for the players.

Where to play, what Junior leagues to get involved with and what will or possibly happen when  trading dead-line comes around?

That question alone has several players, coaches and yes even the player agents working to all decide what’s best for their respective players.

First let’s understand what non-sanctioned hockey actually is which on the BC Hockey site listed as any hockey programming (ice times, practices, games, tournaments, etc.) that occurs outside of the membership oversight of BC Hockey and Hockey Canada. 

There is non-sanctioned hockey happening every day, and participants are free to enjoy the game as they wish, but most organized amateur hockey in Canada (both competitive and recreational) does occur within the oversight of a Hockey Canada member or partner.

Non-sanctioned hockey, and Non-Sanctioned Leagues, are those formed and delivered outside of Hockey Canada’s membership, and therefore outside of the rules, regulations, process, safeguards, and oversight of the national governing body. 

Here’s the formal definition:

Non-Sanctioned Leagues include any amateur hockey league or program that operates in Canada outside of Hockey Canada registration and sanctioning. Hockey Canada and BC Hockey have no regulatory authority over unsanctioned leagues.

We had this sent to us for your reading noting that everyone has to make their own choice which can be a tough decision for not just the players, the parents but also the scouting crew.

The following note is from a parent who is quite blunt with the comments – enjoy the read:

Because people are realizing that “pay to play” hockey isn’t the answer. You get promises of 60-80 games a year, travel across the country to play in “showcases” all with the promise that your kid will get noticed by scouts. 

At the end of the day Junior programs are run by individuals who are out to make a quick buck on the back of parents’ egos. 

Bring back community based hockey! I’m not just picking on hockey either…it’s the same in every sport. 

A true epidemic. 

Why are we ripping our children away from home at such a young age only for them to be lost with no future in hockey by the time they’re 21 and already behind 3 years in college?

Not only is the unrest in the hockey world taking its toll on the players this is the most recent thing that might take its toll on Junior player(s).

We are hearing that any individual teams may be refusing to issue passes to scouts or coaches representing American colleges and according to what we’re told if you want in – buy a ticket!!

In addition the PJHL suspended the Cloverdale franchise which we are hearing that given the situation any decision is now in the courts as we have been told which we’ll let play out.

Earlier today I got an e-mail letting me know that the Bellingham Blazers Junior Hockey team who have operated for over 10 years at the Whatcom Sports & Recreation won’t be competing in the USPHL Premier league this season.

It was a difficult decision to suspend play for the 2025-2026 season due to many new and significant challenges facing the Blazers Junior Hockey program and not easy by any decision.

Moving forward they have their sights set on assessing the Blazers’ future direction and developing a sustainable plan for the long-term health of the Blazers Junior Hockey Organization.

On a Facebook post they listed “We are incredibly proud of the coaches, players, and teams that have represented Bellingham and Whatcom County over the years and we are also deeply grateful for the time and passion of our fans, billets, staff, volunteers, and sponsors who have supported us throughout this journey.”

Also noting that the Blazers community has always been the heart and soul of our program noting that they thank the community for being a part of the Blazers family and for their continued support and understanding through all of these challenging times.

We look forward to sharing our future plans and hope to see you at the rink soon.

The Sportsplex “Ice Rink” and “Indoor Fields” will continue to be an enormous asset to our community, and we will continue to focus on our mission of providing opportunities for youth activities in Whatcom County.

We are excited to see what the future brings and thanks to everyone who was a part of the Blazers family.

Sad to hear but no doubt they’ll rebound – just not sure when??