BCHL grants exceptional status to a player for the first time

For the first time in league history, the BCHL has granted exceptional status to a player.

Making the early jump to the BCHL is 15-year-old Eli McKamey, who is expected to join the Penticton Vees next season.

“We are thrilled to welcome Eli and the McKamey family to the BCHL,” said BCHL Commissioner Steven Cocker.

“Eli not only possesses an elite skillset to transition to the league but has the intangibles off the ice that will allow him to excel as an exceptional student-athlete in college hockey and beyond.”

McKamey spent this past season with the Shawnigan Lake School U18 Prep team, where he mustered 23 goals and 48 points in 28 games.

“I believe playing for the Penticton Vees is a great opportunity for development as a player and as a person,” said McKamey.

“Playing in the BCHL allows me to keep my future options open, while still playing in a highly competitive league. I’m excited for the challenge.”

Scoring goals like this is one thing Eli McKamey is pretty good at 🚀@Shaw_Athletics | #CSSHL pic.twitter.com/Q1hh2XfDLM

— CSSHL (@CSSHL) December 3, 2023

The Cowichan Bay native was able to apply for exceptional status after the BCHL’s board of governors voted to add the application process this past January.

“The framework is designed to give early eligibility to players who possess exceptional traits in hockey and athletic acumen, mental and physical maturity, work ethic and education,” reads a news release.

“Players are able to apply for exceptional status through the team they wish to commit to. Once an application is received by the league office, a selection committee makes a ruling on whether to accept or deny the application.”

McKamey also heard his name called at the WHL draft when the Victoria Royals selected him 35th overall earlier this month.