Junior A - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between Junior A Tier 1 and Junior A Tier 2?
A: In July 2023, BC Hockey approved the reclassification of the KIJHL and PJHL, and their 36 member clubs, as Junior A, and further designated as “Tier 2” while standards for team operation and player experience were created and implemented. A process was then established for teams to be considered for elevation to Junior A Tier 1. Evaluations took place in 2024, and for the 2025-26 season, seven PJHL teams will compete in Junior A Tier 1 and eight PJHL teams will compete in Junior A Tier 2. The KIJHL will continue to operate as a Junior A Tier 2 league for the 2025-26 season.
Q: How long will the Junior A Tier 1 and Tier 2 designations be used? Will there ultimately be a return to Junior A and Junior B?
A: The Junior A Tier 1 and Tier 2 designations are internal categories for the leagues, adopted to help manage the steps taken by KIJHL and PJHL clubs to reach Jr A standards during a time of significant change within the junior hockey landscape. As Junior A members, KIJHL and PJHL teams participate in the Western Canadian Development Model and have worked closely together as members of the British Columbia Hockey Conference. The Junior A Tier 1 and Tier 2 designations will continue to be used while this process continues, but a return to Junior A and Junior B will occur at a future date.
Q: Moving forward, how will B.C.'s Junior provincial championships work?
A: In April 2025, the KIJHL and PJHL champions will compete for the Mowat Cup, which is awarded to British Columbia’s current Junior A champions. Updates regarding the future of the Mowat Cup and Cyclone Taylor Cup, awarded to B.C.’s Junior B provincial champions, will be provided at a future date.
Q: When will a B.C. team compete at the Centennial Cup?
A: BC Hockey and the BCHC are working with Hockey Canada and the Canadian Junior Hockey League to ensure that a pathway exists for B.C.’s Junior A teams to compete for a spot at the Centennial Cup, Canada’s Junior A national championship. Further updates will be provided at a later date.
Q: How will player movement work between Junior A Tier 1 and Tier 2 teams?
A: During the 2024-25 season, all KIJHL and PJHL players were registered at the Junior A level. Their playing rights will continue to be held by their current team, regardless of whether their team is being elevated to Junior A, Tier 1 for the 2025-26 season, per Hockey Canada regulations. Player transfers between Tier 1 and Tier 2 teams can occur upon the agreement of both clubs. Any player wishing to attend a Junior A evaluation camp or main camp with a different team may only do so with the written permission of their current team.
Q: Who is Blackfin? Why did they evaluate the teams? What was the evaluation process?
A: Blackfin Sports Group, based in Vancouver, B.C., is a firm headed by former Canucks Sports & Entertainment executives Chris Gear, Chris Beardsmore and James Douglas. A total of 31 teams in the PJHL and KIJHL applied this past season to be considered for elevation to Jr A Tier 1. Blackfin was retained by the BCHC in January 2024 to manage the evaluation process, which included an assessment of each applicant’s adherence to Junior A standards and best practices.
Q: What is the Western Canadian Development Model and what is unique about it?
A: The Western Canadian Development Model is a pilot project involving Western Canada’s five Junior A hockey leagues in partnership with the Western Hockey League, Hockey Canada and each league’s provincial branch (i.e.: BC Hockey). The purpose of the WCDM is to clarify and streamline the development pathway within junior hockey in Western Canada. In Phase 1 of the WCDM, Junior A leagues adopted WHL standards around playing rules and equipment protocols.
Q: Will Tier 1 teams ever play Tier 2 teams?
A: Currently, there are no plans for competition between Tier 1 and Tier 2 teams.
Q: Will Tier 2 teams have a championship?
A: Plans involving the Mowat Cup and Cyclone Taylor Cup will be announced at a later date.
Q: Can there be movement of teams between Tier 1 and Tier 2?
A: Yes, the composition of teams within Tier 1 and Tier 2 will be evaluated on an ongoing basis.
Q: Will Tier 1 & 2 still play under the banners of the KIJHL and PJHL or will they be called something else?
A: Yes, teams will continue competing within the KIJHL and PJHL but within separate Tier 1 and Tier 2 leagues.
Q: Is there an affiliation with the Western Hockey League?
A: Yes, all players from both Junior A Tier 1 and Tier 2 are eligible to affiliate with Western Hockey League teams.
Q: What certifications do coaches require at the Junior A Tier 1 level?
A: Hockey Canada regulations require that head coaches at the Junior A level must obtain their High Performance 1 certification.