On September 11, the BCHL announced the first details of its alternative return to play plan. It’s a plan that sees big changes to how the Prince George Spruce Kings would operate. This includes regional cohorts and a 30-40 game season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This plan goes […]
editorial
Through the camera lens: Capturing the BCHL in pictures
(This article was originally published on Sep. 18, 2020.) The perfect image of a shot beating the goaltender top shelf. Head-shots for a player profile. Feature images for a BCHLNetwork article. The dreaded year-end team picture. Everlasting memories of that championship trophy win. All of these pictures and images […]
What if BCHL team names were based on wildlife from around each franchise’s region?
(This article was originally published on Sep. 16, 2020.) A lot of sports teams around the world have used, and still do use, monikers that represent animals. Most notably in the National Hockey League, there are the Bruins, Penguins, Panthers, Ducks, Sharks, Wild, Coyotes, Predators, and soon to be […]
Salmon Arm Silverbacks summer recap: trades, advancements, and more
With an interesting series of events capping off last season for the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, the team will have a new look this upcoming season. The advancement of three defensemen, six forwards, and their starting netminder means a total of ten players leave the Backs with some work to […]
Clippers jockeying for long-term stability
Stability in junior hockey can be tricky at the best of times, but given the time we are in with the COVID-19 pandemic, teams across the BCHL are doing everything they can to stay viable. Securing a long-term lease agreement is one of those key components, however, for the […]
The history of the Spruce Kings-Chilliwack Chiefs rivalry
In July, I wrote an article about the Spruce Kings rivalry with the Quesnel Millionaires. After the Millionaires relocated to Chilliwack in 2011, that edition of the rivalry ended. While I don’t think any team can replace Quesnel as Prince George’s main rival the Chiefs have come very close […]
The evolution of the Express logo
Much like the name of a team, the primary logo is a key component of branding and marketing for any organization. What does the logo look like? What colours are used? Is the city name included? All are valid questions that must be asked when designing, selecting, and embracing […]
Langley and Chilliwack: a tale of two cities
(This article was originally published on Aug. 23, 2020.) Since coming into the BC Hockey League in 1990, the Chilliwack Chiefs have played some highly intense games and playoff series against teams located in Langley. This is a look at how the rivalry between the two Fraser Valley cities […]
Moving from junior hockey to university
(This article was originally published on Aug. 16, 2020.) From the mid-2000s until 2016, the BC Hockey League used the moniker “Smart Hockey” as part of its marketing campaign for league promotion. For years, the league has been noted as a fast track to NCAA hockey for its players, […]
The greatest Chilliwack Chiefs team ever
The Chilliwack Chiefs have had some great teams during their 30 year history. However, no team is better than the 2001-02 version. The Chiefs produced the best team they have ever had and it showed with the team setting records left, right, and centre. And it happened with the […]
