A few changes are coming following the BCHL’s annual general meeting in Richmond June 7 to 9 with governors approving a number of issues that will take effect in 2012-13.
First, the new BCHL playoff format will feature a three-division alignment. In the Coastal Conference, which is now made up of the Island Division and Mainland Division, the top four of five teams in each division will qualify for post-season play (No.1 vs. No. 4, No. 2 vs. No. 3). Best-of-five series will be played in each the first two rounds to determine conference finalists and the Coastal Conference final will be a best-of-seven.
In the Interior Conference, which consists of the six teams, the top four will qualify for post-season play (No.1 vs. No. 4, No. 2 vs. No. 3). Two rounds, each a best-of-seven, will be played to determine a conference champion. The Fred Page Cup finals will also be a best-of-seven series.
Alterations to the BCHL regulations were approved as affiliate draft of 15-year-old players is being scrapped. Rosters will now consist of 22 players instead of 21 and coaches are allowed to place an injured player on long-term injured reserve, which will free up a spot on the 22-man roster and that penalties are now possible for players with damaged pants.
The Junior A Supplement initiative, begun in the 2010-11 season to curb fighting and checking-from-behind infractions, was extended for two seasons.
And a sub-committee made up of BCHL coaches was officially approved. This body, which brings concerns from among the league’s coaching ranks to the board of directors, is co-chaired by Mike Vandekamp of Nanaimo and Jason Williamson of Vernon.