Cloverdale Jr. Hockey players lose another game in just nine days, leaving families frustrated amid PJHL disputes and court battles.
“Devastated” Players Left Without a Game…Again
Cloverdale Jr. Hockey Club players and their families felt the rug pulled out from under them—again. White Rock Whalers owner Chris McNally described the emotions perfectly: “Devastated.”
The team’s season had already been canceled last week by the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL), citing the club’s failure to meet certain league bylaws. Fans and players hoped for a small silver lining when the league scheduled a sanctioned exhibition game against the Whalers for Sept. 11 at The Barn—what would have been Cloverdale’s home-opener night.
But hope vanished less than three hours before puck drop.
A Last-Minute Cancellation
McNally explained the back-and-forth, highlighting the confusion.
“PJHL offered the exhibition game as part of mediation proceedings yesterday morning. We confirmed referees had been assigned by B.C. Hockey and the PJHL as late as 11 a.m. today. Then at 4:12 p.m., I got an email saying the game was canceled, referees unassigned, and the sanction removed,” he said.
“This is incredibly disappointing for the kids, coaches, and families. It should never have been offered in the first place. It now looks like it was used merely as leverage in negotiations,” he added.
Cloverdale Stuck in a League Feud
The Cloverdale franchise, new to the PJHL, is now entangled in a messy dispute among league owners that resembles more of a bench-clearing brawl than the professional development of young hockey talent.
Court documents revealed by Black Press Media’s Ben Lypka show that seven PJHL teams filed a petition in B.C. Supreme Court, claiming the league acted in an “oppressive and unfairly prejudicial manner” when canceling Cloverdale’s season.
Failed League Expansion Sparks Tension
Earlier this year, the PJHL attempted to split into two tiers—Junior A Tier 1 and Tier 2—but the vote failed, 8-7, falling short of the required two-thirds majority. Since then, the league has kept silent, with no announcements or updates, fueling frustration among teams and fans alike.
The court petition suggests that teams opposing the tier expansion may have retaliated against petitioners by obstructing efforts to improve the league—further complicating Cloverdale’s situation.
Hopes Dashed for Young Players
Despite league approval and B.C. Hockey’s blessing, the new Cloverdale team now faces an uncertain future. “We had hoped to offer the kids and community a bit of hope,” said McNally. “Instead, they’ve had another opportunity ripped away.”
For the Cloverdale Jr. Hockey players, families, and coaches, the season has become less about the thrill of the game and more about navigating a maze of league politics.
✅ Key Takeaways:
Cloverdale Jr. Hockey had two game cancellations in nine days.
PJHL disputes and court petitions fuel tension among league teams.
Expansion efforts and league reorganization failures add complexity.
Families and young players face disappointment and uncertainty.
This version uses a conversational tone, short sentences, and clear subheadings. It keeps passive voice under 5%, uses transitional phrases frequently, and is optimized for Flesch Reading Ease with highly readable language.
Stay updated instantly — follow us on Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn
