At the British Columbia Hockey League's semi annual meeting in Richmond on Thursday a number of decisions were made for the 2012-2013 season, including having the Chilliwack Chiefs and Prince George Spruce Kings move from the Interior Conference to the Coastal Conference.
It's no surprise the Chiefs are making the switch, as it was arranged when they moved from Quesnel to Chilliwack at the end of last season. But the Kings will also make the move, joining Coquitlam, Langley and Surrey in the Mainland Division.
The Coastal Conference will have two divisions, with Victoria, Nanaimo, Alberni Valley and Powell River making up the Island Division.
the Interior Conference will include: Merritt, Vernon, Penticton, Trail, Salmon Arm and Westside.
Prince George will have the option of returning to the Interior Conference after the 2013 playoffs.
Other changes include:
Reducing the regular season from 60 to 56 games.
Beginning the season Sept. 14, 2012 with the final regular-season games played March 19, 2013.
Adding a Showcase event, similar to the junior A leagues in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, where each team will play two regular season games in a single locations. The weekend will take place Sept. 7 and 8 at a to be determined location.
Teams can bid on hosting the showcase event until Feb. 1. Revenue made from the event will be split between all 16 clubs.
Also, each BCHL hockey club has until Feb. 1 to submit new ideas for the 2012-2013 playoff format, which will be determined at a future date.
