Scheduling changes, new leadership highlight happenings at 2017 BCIHL AGM

The B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League held its 2017 Annual General Meetings this week in Burnaby hosted by Simon Fraser University.

The most significant change for BCIHL fans is a move to a 25-game schedule that will see each of the league's six teams -- including new members Vancouver Island University -- play one another a total of five times each (three home/two away or two home/three away).

In other major news, Chris Munshaw was elected unanimously as the BCIHL's new President. Munshaw, who serves as the Director of Hockey Operations at Simon Fraser University, replaces Kim Verigin after the Selkirk College Athletics Director spent 10 years in the role.

"I'm honoured and excited to be elected President of the B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League. Over the past 11 seasons the BCIHL has overcome challenges and evolved into a highly competitive and balanced league," says Munshaw. "Today we offer six exceptional University and College hockey programs as options for student-athletes pursuing post-secondary education. Supported by a hard-working and engaged executive, I'm highly optimistic for a strong future in the BCIHL."

"I would also like to thank Kim Verigin for his 10 years as President. His guidance and leadership has brought us along an exciting path and I hope we can continue the tradition he has put in place over his years served as President."

Additional areas of discussion at the AGM included player safety, including a presentation on an ongoing concussion study by SFU professor Dr. Steven Robinovich, as well as marketing and discipline.

BCIHL fans can next look forward to the release of the 2017/18 league schedule in mid-July.