Photo credit: Garrett James Photography (Elias, Taylor), Island Images Photography (Daniells).

By Pete McIntyre

NCAA

BCHL sets scholarship record

Feb 1, 2023 | 1:45 PM

The BC Hockey League has set a new single-season record for NCAA Division I committed players on team rosters.

The league says 174 athletes have earned scholarships to play college hockey in the United States so far this year, and that number is expected to keep rising until the end of the season.

The previous record of 173 was set in 2019-20 and was equaled last year during the 2021-22 campaign.

“We are incredibly proud to reach this new benchmark for NCAA Division I committed athletes in the BCHL,” Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Steven Cocker, said. “Despite the adversity faced over the past couple of years, our league has bounced back in a major way as we continue our upward trend as one of North America’s top junior hockey leagues producing collegiate athletes.”

Cocker said it’s a testament to the hard work and determination of their players, as well as the outstanding development and resources teams and their staff are providing on the ground.

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“Development doesn’t stop on the ice, as our teams are doing a phenomenal job to ensure their athletes are as ready for the classroom as they are for the ice,” Cocker remarked.

In addition to the commitment record, the BCHL has also set a new high-water mark for alumni playing NCAA Division I hockey with 411 former BCHL players during the 2022-23 season. This amounts to 23.41 per cent of NCAA Division I athletes having played a minimum of 10 games in the BCHL, as of Oct. 1, 2022.

Facts and Figures:

• 57 BCHL players earned scholarships this season alone
• 87 current BCHL players earned their scholarships while playing in the BCHL
• 87 current BCHL players were recruited to the league with their Division I commitment in hand

Click here for the full list of NCAA commitments.