Cloverdale Jr. Hockey Club players left devastated after a second game cancellation in just nine days amid PJHL turmoil.
Young Players Left Waiting Again
The Cloverdale Jr. Hockey Club faced heartbreak on Sept. 11 when its scheduled exhibition game against the White Rock Whalers was abruptly cancelled less than three hours before puck drop. Players and families, already reeling from a previous season cancellation, were left stunned outside The Barn arena in Surrey.
What Prompted the Sudden Decision
The Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL) informed the team late in the afternoon that the match would not proceed, despite earlier confirmation that referees had been assigned by B.C. Hockey. League officials withdrew the game’s sanction, leaving the Cloverdale club without an explanation that satisfied parents and organizers.
Voices of Frustration
Chris McNally, owner of the White Rock Whalers, described the cancellation as “devastating” for players and families. He said the PJHL had extended the game as part of mediation efforts but appeared to retract the offer for leverage in ongoing disputes. “It should never have been offered if it was going to be taken away,” McNally told reporters.
Turmoil Behind the Scenes
Cloverdale’s season was originally cancelled last week after the PJHL ruled the expansion franchise failed to meet certain league bylaws. The team, granted entry into the league in April and approved by B.C. Hockey, has since been caught in a broader dispute among PJHL owners. Court documents reveal that seven teams have petitioned B.C. Supreme Court, claiming the league acted in an “oppressive and unfairly prejudicial manner” when it revoked Cloverdale’s season.
Why the League Is Divided
The cancellations stem from a larger conflict over the PJHL’s failed bid to restructure into two tiers: Junior A Tier 1 and Junior A Tier 2. That proposal fell short by a single vote at summer meetings, with an 8–7 tally that failed to meet the two-thirds majority required. Teams that opposed the split have since accused their rivals of punishing Cloverdale’s franchise as retribution.
What Comes Next
With court proceedings underway, the future of the Cloverdale Jr. Hockey Club remains uncertain. Parents, players, and supporters are calling for clarity as the club’s inaugural season — once seen as a chance to build community pride — now hangs in the balance. For the kids left waiting outside the rink, the dream of taking the ice has been postponed yet again.
This article is original and written specifically for Surreyspeak.com
