The Nanaimo Buccaneers and Oceanside Generals, along with all VIJHL teams next season will have closer working relationships with the BCHL after the league opted to go independent. (Island Images Photography)

By Alex Rawnsley

independent league

‘This is really a player-driven decision:’ VIJHL shifts to independent league

Apr 29, 2024 | 1:54 PM

NANAIMO — Following in the footsteps of the BC Hockey League a year ago, the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) is going on its own.

Citing increased player development opportunities and uncertainty under BC Hockey and Hockey Canada, the league announced on Monday, April 29 its decision to stand as an independent entity beginning in the 2024/25 season.

Shawn Vincent, VIJHL executive director, said moving through a season unable to work directly with the BCHL meant some challenging times for teams and players.

“For an Island league, we’re maybe a little more unique than the Lower Mainland and the Kootenay league. This is really a player-driven decision, a lot of players and families were frustrated having to look at options of going to Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba to get to that next level of hockey.”

With both the BCHL and VIJHL operating as independent leagues, players can freely affiliate, be recruited or otherwise move between both leagues.

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Vincent added another major benefit to the move was more certainty around travel costs.

He said having the Lower Mainland-based PJHL and the interior-based KIJHL partnering together with the VIJHL would have been potentially problematic.

“There’s a lot of unknowns on standards and I think our group just really felt with those unknowns, and having to travel off the Island for potentially interlocking schedules…we felt we were better off to solidify as a group of 11 and then look at opportunities on the Island to maybe expand down the road.”

A move to independence began at the AGM in 2023 and sped up when a committee was formed in January 2024.

VIJHL President Simon Morgan said upgrades the league underwent last season, in terms of practice times, facilities and operations, will all be continued.

“We were proceeding along with the other two leagues and we’ve achieved all those goals and submitted satisfaction with BC Hockey…so that’s not going to change and if anything we’d like to continue to enhance the standards that we have now that we’re aligned with the BCHL.”

Morgan added they expect a full roster of officials to work VIJHL games on Vancouver Island, with several expressing interest last season.

Nanaimo Clippers head coach and general manager Colin Birkas said the independent model afforded them more options last season and a higher calibre on-ice product.

“I hope to work with teams in the VIJHL in terms of player affiliation. It will give us the option of having a smaller roster and pulling affiliate players when needed. Also a chance for future Clippers that are close to being full time BCHL players to get more game action.”

Birkas said more cooperation of the Island’s four BCHL teams and the VIJHL will “ultimately benefit the athletes.”

The eleven member VIJHL, founded in 1965, includes franchises regionally based in Parksville and Nanaimo.

— with files from Dan Marshall

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