The British Columbia Hockey Conference (BCHC) and the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL) have signed a development agreement aimed at creating a more structured pathway for players advancing through sanctioned junior hockey in British Columbia.
The agreement, announced Wednesday in partnership with BC Hockey, is intended to strengthen co-operation between the two leagues and expand opportunities for player affiliation and advancement between the U20 Development and Junior A levels.
“The BCHC is pleased to work with the Pacific Junior Hockey League to establish a consistent and trusted development pathway for players to reach the WHL and college hockey,” said BCHC commissioner Jeff Dubois.
“Our members are excited to work closely with teams in the PJHL to build this relationship and promote player opportunity and achievement.”
PJHL co-commissioner Dave Newson said the agreement reflects greater collaboration between the leagues.
“The PJHL is committed and focused on developing and advancing players, and collaborative agreements such as these help define the process and pathway for players to progress from our league.”
According to the organizations, the BCHC was approved by BC Hockey as the province’s sanctioned Junior A league in April 2026. The league is scheduled to begin its inaugural season in September with 22 member clubs in the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast, Okanagan, Thompson, Cariboo and Kootenays.
The PJHL, founded in 1961, said its eight Lower Mainland member clubs compete in B.C.’s U20 Junior Development league, which focuses on long-term player development within community-based programs.
