LANGLEY, B.C. — The British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) announced that the 2026 All-Star Weekend will feature a new format, highlighted by a Canada vs. World game as the main event on Saturday, January 17 at Thompson Family Arena in Spruce Grove, Alta.
The Canada vs. World game will showcase a team of Canadian BCHL athletes facing off against Team World, which will be comprised of BCHL players from outside of Canada, including American, European and Asian-born athletes. Game rules will follow a standard BCHL format. Previously, the league’s All-Star main event featured a 3-on-3, four-team round-robin tournament.
“Interest in the BCHL from athletes around the world has never been stronger,” said BCHL Commissioner Steven Cocker. “This year’s All-Star Weekend is designed to reflect that momentum, as well as the league’s future. International competition consistently delivers some of hockey’s most electrifying moments and now we are bringing that same energy to the BCHL with a Canada vs. World showcase. We cannot wait to show fans what the new era of best-on-best global BCHL hockey looks like.”
As part of today’s announcement, the league also confirmed leadership selections for the Canada vs. World game. West Kelowna Warriors forward Ruslan Jamaldinov has been named an alternate captain for Team World, alongside Nikita Ivashchenko of the Blackfalds Bulldogs.
In addition to the Canada vs. World competition, the BCHL has revamped its Friday event into the 2026 College Prospects Game, which will feature the league’s top players who have yet to commit to an NCAA Division I program. The two teams will be split between the Coastal Conference and Interior Conference, with game rules mirroring a standard BCHL contest.
“Our league’s top priority is to provide every opportunity for our players to reach the collegiate level,” said Cocker. “The College Prospects Game further elevates that commitment, giving college programs a unique look at the BCHL’s top uncommitted talent on a different stage. We look forward to welcoming pro scouts and college coaches to Spruce Grove in January.”
Rosters for both the Canada vs. World game and the College Prospects Game have been determined by a vote of the league’s 20 head coaches.
All BCHL All-Star Weekend events will take place January 17 and 18 at Thompson Family Arena.
Full rosters for both showcase games are available here.
Tickets for BCHL All-Star Weekend are now available and can be purchased online.
