BCHL set to begin 61st season

The puck drops on the 61st season of the BC Hockey League Friday night.

Nine games are scheduled including the Vernon Vipers at the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (6:45 p.m. pre-game show on 107.5 Beach Radio and Vernon Matters) and the West Kelowna Warriors visiting the Cowichan Valley Capitals.

The Vipers’ home opener will be Saturday against the Silverbacks at 6 p.m., while the Warriors will host the Wenatchee Wild on Sept. 30.

All 18 teams are in action on opening night including the Penticton Vees raising their championship banner from last season before they host the Trail Smoke Eaters.

The Merritt Centennials will kick off their 50th anniversary season at home against the Cranbrook Bucks.

“The long wait is over,” said league deputy commissioner Steven Cocker. “We are thrilled to have BCHL hockey back tomorrow night. We have a lot of exciting initiatives and events planned for the 2022-23 season, which we can’t wait to share.”

Important dates:

Sept. 23: Opening night
Oct. 17-20: BCHL Showcase (Chilliwack Coliseum)
Jan. 20: Top Prospects Game (South Okanagan Events Centre)
Jan. 21: 60th Anniversary outdoor all-star event (Downtown Penticton outdoor rink)
Feb. 18 & 19: BCHL Road Show (Burns Lake, B.C.)
Mar. 26: Regular season ends
Mar. 31: Shaw BCHL Playoffs begin

Click here to view the full regular-season schedule.

Click here for the Vernon Vipers schedule.

Click here for the West Kelowna Warriors schedule.