BC Hockey will have a new Junior “A” system in place for the 2023-24 season as the Kamloops Storm and the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League moves to Junior “A” status.

The move also affects teams in the PIJHL and VIJHL, making it a total of 45 teams that will start as Junior A Tier II teams. They’ll have the ability to be promoted to Junior “A” Tier I based on a review from an independent BC Hockey panel.

Kamloops Storm General Manager, Matt Kolle, says changes were needed after the BCHL chose to leave Hockey Canada’s umbrella to form their own independent league.

“The situation everyone was left in with the BCHL decision meant that something had to happen,” Kolle told NL Sports. “We want to be part of the solution.”

The announcement Tuesday also states an enhancement is needed to meet new standards that will be put in place around player development and experience along with off-ice training programs and practice requirements.

“Moving to Junior A standard is exciting,” Kolle said.

“We realize there’s standards we are going to have to meet and enhance our program but we feel we are doing a lot of things already at a Junior A level. We are ready to embrace it.”

Kolle also thinks this may mean added costs to the program which will make them work harder to try account for through ticket sales and sponsorships.

BC Hockey is set to comment on the changes coming later Tuesday afternoon.