BCHL sets new record of college commits; including three Centennials

MERRITT – The British Columbia Hockey League announced they have set a new record for most college commitments in a single season, with still two months to go.

“We are incredibly proud to reach this new benchmark for NCAA Division I committed athletes in the BCHL,” said Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Steven Cocker. “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.”

This season, throughout the league, there have been 174 players commit to the next level so far. The previous record was set in the 2019-20 season and matched last year with 173.

There are three Merritt Centennials heading to play at a college when they are done playing in the BCHL.

• Kyle Isenberg
  • Air Force Academy
• Diego Johnson
  • University of Wisconsin
• Jackson Krill
  • University of Vermont

Along with this 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.

“This is a testament to the hard work and determination of our players, as well as the outstanding development and resources our teams and their staff are providing on the ground. 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,” said Cocker.