Months of planning. Years of work behind the scenes. Twenty-two clubs, hundreds of players and communities across British Columbia have helped bring the British Columbia Hockey Conference to this moment.
Tonight, the puck finally drops.
The Delta Ice Hawks visit the Richmond Sockeyes on Thursday, September 10, marking the first regular-season game in BCHC history and officially opening the league’s inaugural Junior A season.
It’ll be the first of 550 regular-season games to be played across British Columbia in 2026-27, with each of the BCHC’s 22 member clubs playing a 50-game schedule leading into the 2027 BCHC Playoffs.
A New Season
Getting to opening night has taken an incredible amount of work across the province.
League and club staff, coaches, trainers, volunteers, officials, billets, partners, families and communities have spent months preparing for this season. Rosters have been built, arenas prepared, schedules finalized and countless details handled behind the scenes to make this moment possible.
“The excitement around the start of this season has been building all summer,” said Sarah Smith, BCHC Director of Brand Strategy & Communications. “In working with our teams, you can feel the energy in every community, and we’re seeing that reflected in the way clubs are connecting with their fans. Team social channels are thriving, fans are engaging and there’s a real sense of anticipation for what’s ahead. It’s exciting to finally see the regular season get underway.”
At the centre of that work are the athletes.
While player development and competition will take centre stage beginning tonight, the BCHC’s focus extends beyond the ice. Education, athlete wellness and creating a positive Junior A experience are also important pieces of the league’s inaugural season.
“We’re teammates on the ice. Let’s be there for each other off it, too. Because there’s more to every player than what you see on the ice,” said Kerri Woods, BCHC Director of Athlete Wellness.
It Starts in Richmond
Tonight, the Delta Ice Hawks and Richmond Sockeyes will have the distinction of playing the first regular-season game in BCHC history.
Delta Ice Hawks at Richmond Sockeyes
Thursday, September 10
Minoru Arena, Richmond
7:00 PM PDT
A Busy Weekend Around the BCHC
Tonight’s opener in Richmond kicks off a busy weekend of BCHC hockey across the province, with both regular-season and preseason action continuing through the weekend.
Fans can watch every BCHC game live and on demand on FloHockey.
The First of Many
Over the months ahead, 550 regular-season games will be played in arenas across British Columbia.
There will be rivalries renewed and new ones created, milestones reached, long road trips, packed community arenas and opportunities for players to take another step in their hockey careers.
Twenty-two clubs will ultimately chase one BCHC championship.
But there can only be one first game.
Tonight in Richmond, the BCHC begins.
