The development of youth hockey players in Chilliwack is as important as ever, and for the newly announced Fraser Valley Knights, they’re looking to cement themselves as a standout option.
Chilliwack’s newest hockey development club was officially announced to the public on June 14, with the aim of offering youth players a plethora of development opportunities.
“You see that everyday, people think they have to head west or all the way into Vancouver to get that top level of coaching,” said Knights co-founder Joe Bleackley. “Everybody wants to be the best they can.
“We’re trying to show you can stay local.”
The organization was started by Bleackley and five other local coaches with a significant amount of experience coaching at various levels.
The club looks to offer year-round development programs for players of all skill-levels, with skills and skating camps, seasonal tournaments and ultimately, a highly-competitive spring hockey program.
Bleackley has over 15 seasons of coaching between both high-level hockey and lacrosse. He most recently served as head coach of the Chilliwack U11 A1 team. He and his wife Chrissy are also founders of the local Shinny Cup, a tournament that runs three times a year with the aim of putting players of all skill levels together for a fun development-centric tournament.
Despite their desire to put together a spring team, Bleackley emphasized the program not competing with, but being in addition to the long-running local leagues like the Chilliwack Minor Hockey Association.
“In no way are we looking to compete with Hockey Canada, the CMHA or any other minor hockey associations for that matter,” emphasized Bleackley. “We’re not trying to be a league, we’re offering development, a good spring hockey team and just an overall fun experience.
“We’re aiming to offer a little bit of everything outside of the minor hockey umbrella.”
Youth hockey in Chilliwack has always been popular, but with Chilliwack growing faster than ever, this is being reflected in the youth hockey programs. Last year the CMHA added four new teams to their program. At about 15 players a team, the league saw an additional 60 youth hockey players register to play, with this year projecting a similar level of growth.
“Chilliwack is growing fast, and there are a lot of young families moving out this way,” said Bleackley. “There are other great programs in Chilliwack as well, but I think we’ve assembled the best group of coaches when it comes to having been there and done that.
“We’re just really excited.”
Alongside Bleackley, the program will be run by co-founders and fellow coaches, Clayton Krahn, Derek Janzen, Troy Stordy and brothers Nathan and Drew Martz.
The club has yet to announce official dates for upcoming development camps, but aims to do so imminently, looking to run camps into the second half of summer, before holding tryouts for their spring team in the fall.
Those interested, can visit the Knights website for more information.