The British Columbia Hockey League will play a 58-game schedule in 2013-14, two more games than last season.
Each team will play two games at the Bauer BCHL Showcase, slated for Sept. 6-8 in Chilliwack, and then compete in 28 home and 28 away dates.
According to the league, no playoff structure has been agreed upon for the 2013-14 campaign, but teams are being asked to submit ideas.
A post-season format for the 16-team league is expected to be announced before the Showcase.
In other moves, the league also changed its media policy surrounding the Jan. 10 roster deadline. Teams will be allowed to release information to media as soon as they have told BCHL office that all players involved in that transaction have been notified.
The BCHL has also signed an equipment agreement with Bauer in which all players must use the Bauer Supreme Team Stick. A statement from the BCHL states: 鈥淔ailure to comply will result in severe financial penalties to the club. These will escalate with repeat offences. For protective gear, teams are allowed to use up remaining new equipment from previous seasons with the understanding that future orders will be made through Bauer.鈥�
The league also announced the addition of National Hockey League linesman Brad Lazarowich as the associate director of officiating to assist head director Derek Adams. 鈥淟azarowich was able to monitor and provide mentorship to young officials last season during the NHL lockout and will continue to be a resource to the BCHL in developing the officiating program,鈥� the league said in a statement.
