LANGLEY, B.C. – With a flurry of recent NCAA Division I commitments, the BC Hockey League (BCHL) has set a new benchmark for committed players with 193, with many more expected in the coming months.
The previous high of 190 was set in June of last season.
“As a key indicator of strength in junior hockey, we are incredibly proud to have broken our NCAA Division I commitment record so early in the season,” said BCHL Commissioner Steven Cocker. “This is a testament to the extraordinary talent, dedication and hard work of our players, as well as the unwavering support and development provided by our coaches and team staff.”
“The BCHL is committed more than ever to developing, not only elite athletes, but also well-rounded individuals to excel both on and off the ice. We look forward to continuing to contribute to the world of college hockey.”
Fast facts:
· 40 players have committed during the 2023-24 season
· 33 current players earned their commitments in a previous BCHL season
·12 current Chiefs players have Div.I commitments
· The BCHL has set a new record for Div. I commitments in six of the past seven seasons (not including COVID-shortened pod season)
· There are 404 BCHL alumni currently playing NCAA Division I hockey (approximately 23 per cent of all Div. I players)
Click here for the full list of 193 NCAA Division I commitments.
The BCHL will update this list and continue to track commitments throughout the season.
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About the BCHL:
Sending more players on to Division I college hockey every season than any other hockey league in Canada, the BCHL has established itself as a national leader in the development of young student athletes. Considering approximately a third of today’s NHL is made up of NCAA alumni, the BCHL has become a breeding ground for some the sport’s most elite and successful players. In 2022-23 alone, there were a league-record 190 players in the league with NCAA Division I scholarships. The BCHL is also a leader in player safety, with a full-time Department of Player Safety, the toughest rules on fighting in North American junior hockey, as well as a league-wide independent Safe Sport Officer and an individual Athlete Advocate assigned to all 17 teams.
The BCHL is: Modern Hockey.
