The Birch Group would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people that it takes to operate Powell River’s BCHL team and to confirm that our Powell River Kings will remain here at home once again, for the upcoming 2025/26 season.
Each year, volunteers from the community take on active roles within the Organization; they do it because they love the Kings and they cherish the history of BCHL hockey in Powell River. It is a tradition that many have fought to keep alive here in Powell River, including the Birch Group itself. The Kings continue to rely heavily upon local merchants, individuals and organizations, to contribute not only financially but also in ways that supplement the team’s continued operation here at home. Some people, such as our Billet Coordinator Aaron Reid and her legion of volunteer Billet Families, share life experiences with players and their families; their roles are deeply rooted in the tradition of Junior Hockey itself and without these essential contributors we could not function.
Hockey in Powell River truly blends a long-standing local tradition with rich community spirit and support. Attesting to the spirit, of course, is our Powell River Kings Society, a “not-for-profit” group whose time, energy and focus are all directed toward preserving the hockey tradition in Powell River through fundraising and related volunteer-based support. Its noble and tireless mission is to keep our Kings in Powell River and the battle continues proudly, to be sure. Attesting to support for the Kings also, of course, we have our loyal fans; like so many before them, they come to games to experience the tradition and enjoy a family-oriented leisure activity—they too are ingrained into the local hockey culture that will inspire stories around family dinner tables for many years to come. Complimenting the tradition and hockey culture, we are also fortunate to benefit from cross-cultural experiences, thanks to our Tla’amin brothers and sisters who support the team by assisting with team events including our annual “Tla’amin Night” where we come together to share a common passion – the Powell River Kings and the sport of hockey.
To all of our fans, billet families, on and off-ice volunteers, advertisers, sponsors, the Tla’amin people, President Garvey and the Society, the City of Powell River, the families of players that entrust their boys to the Powell River Kings organization, our coaches/bench staff, and everyone else that helps preserve our local Junior Hockey tradition, the Birch Group very warmly express our sincere thanks and utmost appreciation to all of you.
For the upcoming 2025/26 season, we have started preparations in a manner focusing on stability and operating in a “new era” for Junior Hockey. Unlike all prior seasons, U.S. College eligibility rules no longer exclude major junior players from participating in NCAA Division I hockey. Accordingly, our coaches and management, all of whom will be returning, ensured recruitment efforts for the upcoming season were undertaken much earlier and based upon criteria contemplating the new rule change. The “mid season” rule change adversely affected many BCHL team rosters that experienced player exodus; the Kings were not spared. Nevertheless, we are confident that our preparation for the upcoming season will be completed with a focus on roster strength as well as stability. We are looking forward to a very competitive season with a new look for a ‘new era” in BCHL hockey. Fans are invited to check our Kings website frequently for new developments and player additions.
