BCEHL'S THOMPSON BLAZERS BEGIN PARTNERSHIP WITH INTERIOR MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATIONS
For Immediate Release
April 3, 2025
Saanichton, B.C. - The British Columbia Elite Hockey League (BCEHL) and the Thompson Blazers are excited to announce a partnership with Kamloops Minor Hockey Association, North Okanagan Minor Hockey Association, and Salmon Arm Minor Hockey Association to develop a more comprehensive program for the Blazers that will deliver an exceptional hockey experience for hockey families and their athletes.
The Thompson Blazers will field teams in the U18 AAA, U17 AAA and U15 AAA categories for the 2025-26 BCEHL season. This partnered approach includes assisted development of the three teams, including input into the hockey operations staffing of the three teams as well as integrated minor hockey mentorship initiatives.
“The aim of this partnership is to strengthen our bond at the grassroots level in this region,” BCEHL Commissioner Fred Zweep said. “Over the past several years a number of our programs have worked with local MHAs, and it has proven to be beneficial for all involved. We look forward to growing this relationship and creating new ones across the province.”
The Thompson Blazers will continue to draw high performance athletes for their rosters from throughout the North Okanagan Draw Zone.
Here is Identification Camp information for all returning and prospective players:
U15, U17 and U18 players for the 2025-26 season
Date: April 4-6, 2025
Arena: Valleyview Arena – U17 & U18
Arena: Sandman Centre – U15
Register for U17 & U18: Click HERE
Register for U15: Click HERE
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Additional Quotes:
Nathan Bosa, President, Kamloops Minor Hockey Association
"Kamloops Minor Hockey Association is excited for the new partnership with the BCEHL. We are eager to support the BCEHL and help provide a quality program for the players in this region. We believe that this presents the players with a clear pathway through minor hockey with support within the local communities."
Albert Blackwell, President, North Okanagan Minor Hockey Association
"North Okanagan Minor Hockey Association is excited to be working in unison with BCEHL, Kamloops Minor Hockey and other adjacent associations to promote the AAA program. This partnership will help provide more opportunity for our players to achieve higher levels of hockey, with a more informed and clearer pathway to the elite level of hockey. Working together will remove the illusion that the AAA program is a Kamloops team and have everyone understand this is a regional program with all the associations in the region together trying to provide the best opportunities and experience for all. We believe we can put our heads together to not only create a better experience for the elite players but also create a more fun balanced recreation/tiered league within minor hockey for the developing players to achieve their goals."
John M. White, President, Salmon Arm Minor Hockey Association
"Salmon Arm Minor Hockey Association (SAMHA) is thrilled to announce a renewed vision and collaboration with Kamloops Minor Hockey Association (KMHA) to strengthen the AAA hockey program in the region. This collaboration represents an incredible opportunity for both associations to work together in growing high-performance hockey in our communities.
By aligning our efforts, we are committed to providing elite-level athletes with enhanced development pathways, increased exposure to top competition, and a structured program that fosters skill progression and personal growth. This collaboration underscores our shared dedication to supporting players who aspire to compete at the highest levels while maintaining strong connections to their home associations.
SAMHA is excited to contribute to this joint effort, recognizing that by working together, we can create a program that not only benefits our players but also strengthens hockey development throughout the region. We look forward to a successful partnership with KMHA and are eager to see our athletes thrive under this renewed vision."