The BCHL is putting its support behind two former players who are creating the BCHL Alumni Association.
Shayne Taker and Derek Lee are forming a network and business resource aimed at connecting league graduates as they make their way into post-playing careers.
Both men parlayed successful BCHL and NCAA careers into professional playing opportunities before making successful transitions into the business realm.
“Having a platform for all players and alumni to communicate, network and share business opportunities is something that’s long overdue,” said Lee, a former Salmon Arm Silverbacks and Victoria Grizzlies forward who played four years at Wisconsin before a career in Europe. “The BCHL Alumni Association can help streamline the daunting task of finding peers, colleagues and former teammates throughout the hockey world.”
With an ever-increasing number of BCHL players moving on to college hockey and pro careers each season, there will be even more graduates possessing solid work ethic, team-first mindsets and top-flight education. Those skills translate well to employment opportunities and the BCHL Alumni Association will give members a chance to make that initial contact with a group or individual as a first step to success in the work place.
“Helping players transition from the ice to the work world is something that’s needed more attention and that’s what we’re hoping to offer,” said Taker, a former Cowichan Capitals defenceman who went on to a four-year NCAA career at Notre Dame before turning pro. “Athletes possess many skills that don’t necessarily show up on a resume so our alumni can seem behind other applicants when life after hockey begins. Being able to guide players in the right direction is instrumental to the success of our alumni and their overall happiness in the workplace.”
The BCHL Alumni Association will be inviting alum to an online forum and are currently building a contact database.
Any BCHL alums who are interested in getting involved can contact the BCHL via email at feedback@bchl.ca.