From community runs and youth hockey events to supporting local organizations, BCHC players have been busy giving back across the province.
The inaugural BCHC season is underway, but the impact being made by players across the league extends well beyond the rink.
Over the past few weeks, teams have been getting out into their communities, supporting local organizations, connecting with young athletes and lending a hand where it is needed.
Kamloops Storm — A Day at Honour Ranch
The Kamloops Storm spent a day at Honour Ranch outside Ashcroft, giving players an opportunity to work together while supporting an organization dedicated to first responders.
Storm players rolled up their sleeves and helped stain fences around the property before taking part in team-building activities. The day also included an opportunity to hear from first responders and learn more about their experiences and careers, before wrapping up with a team barbecue.
The visit combined community service with an opportunity for the players to learn, connect and build as a group away from the rink.
Port Coquitlam Trailblazers — Terry Fox Run
The Port Coquitlam Trailblazers joined their community for the annual Terry Fox Run in Port Coquitlam.
Players took part alongside local residents as the community came together to continue Terry Fox’s legacy and support cancer research.
Princeton Posse — Connecting Around Town
The Princeton Posse have been making their presence felt around the community with visits to local businesses.
Players stopped by Rollie Pollie’s Ice Cream Shop, where they spent time visiting with community members, serving customers and handing out game-day tickets.
The Posse also visited Save-On-Foods to meet members of the community and distribute game-day flyers and tickets.
The outings gave players a chance to connect with the people supporting them throughout the season while inviting more of the community to experience Posse hockey.
Quesnel River Rush — Celebrating 50 Years of the Child Development Centre
The Quesnel River Rush joined the celebration as the Quesnel Child Development Centre marked its 50th anniversary.
Players attended the Centre’s annual Touch a Truck event, joining families and community members for the milestone celebration.
Summerland Jets — Supporting the Food Bank and Terry Fox Run
The Summerland Jets have found multiple ways to support their community early in the season.
During the exhibition schedule, the Jets collected donations for the local Food Bank as part of admission to their games, turning preseason hockey into an opportunity to help local families.
Players also took part in the community’s Terry Fox Run, joining participants in support of cancer research and Terry Fox’s enduring legacy.
Richmond Sockeyes — Supporting Youth Hockey and Getting Moving
The Richmond Sockeyes have been busy around their community with two recent events.
Players joined the Richmond Jets and Richmond Ravens for their opening-day festivities, spending time with the local minor hockey community and helping celebrate the beginning of another season.
The Sockeyes also participated in a community run in partnership with Fuggles Beer and lululemon. The event brought the community together for an active day that also featured Canadian Olympian Evan Dunfee as a special guest.
More Than Hockey
These events are just some of the ways BCHC teams and players are connecting with the communities they represent.
From volunteering and supporting local organizations to showing up for community events and the next generation of hockey players, those connections are an important part of what junior hockey brings to communities across British Columbia.
As the inaugural BCHC season continues, so will the work being done away from the rink.
