On April 22, 2026, the British Columbia Hockey Conference (BCHC) was officially announced as a new Junior A hockey league in the province. The league is formed by 10 teams that have left the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) to join the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) under Hockey Canada's umbrella.
The BCHC will operate under the CJHL, which is the governing body for Junior A hockey in Canada. The move comes after the BCHL declared itself an independent league in 2023, leaving some teams seeking a return to the Hockey Canada system to maintain eligibility for the Centennial Cup and other CJHL pathways.
Teams joining the BCHC include the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, Chilliwack Chiefs, Cowichan Valley Capitals, Langley Rivermen, Nanaimo Clippers, Powell River Kings, Prince George Spruce Kings, Salmon Arm Silverbacks, Surrey Eagles, and Wenatchee Wild. The league will begin play in the 2026-27 season.
The BCHC aims to provide a stable Junior A environment with a focus on player development and community engagement. The league's formation was confirmed by CJHL officials and local hockey sources.