Cloverdale’s new junior hockey franchise faces suspension as PJHL pulls games and team listing, leaving players and coaches in shock.
Sudden League Decision
Cloverdale’s brand-new junior hockey franchise has been abruptly removed from the Pacific Junior Hockey League’s (PJHL) website, with all scheduled games for the 2025–26 season cancelled. The surprise move, made just days before opening night, has left players, families, and coaches reeling without explanation from league officials.
Local Coach Speaks Out
Head coach Adam Rossignol, appointed in May when the franchise was awarded, took to Facebook to share his frustration and heartbreak. “I still feel like we are all in shock,” he wrote. “The timing, the reasoning, the information provided from the league, even up until this moment, has not made sense.” Rossignol added that while he was not involved in the decision, he feels responsible to the 25 young players he recruited in good faith.
A Dream Put on Hold
For Rossignol, the franchise represented the realization of a lifelong goal. Growing up in Cloverdale, he played in the local arena—known affectionately as “The Barn”—and later coached minor hockey alongside his brother. The chance to lead a junior club in his hometown, he said, was a dream come true. That dream is now uncertain as the PJHL remains silent.
Community Shock and Confusion
The suspension has sparked frustration across Cloverdale’s hockey community. Families who had committed to the season are now left without clarity, and players eager to develop their game are facing an unexpected setback. The lack of communication from PJHL commissioner Trevor Alto, who has not responded to multiple inquiries, has only deepened the sense of confusion.
Why It Matters
Beyond wins and losses, Rossignol stressed that junior hockey is about community, development, and opportunity. “We cannot lose track of what this is all about. It’s about the kids, and the families, and the community,” he wrote. He urged league decision-makers to “do what is right” for Cloverdale’s players, some of whom had turned down other offers to play locally.
What Happens Next
For now, the future of the Cloverdale Jr. Hockey Club hangs in the balance. Rossignol remains hopeful that “cooler heads will prevail” and that the franchise will be reinstated in time for the season. Until then, the players, families, and community must wait for clarity from the PJHL on whether Cloverdale’s inaugural season will move forward or be lost to politics.
This article is original and written specifically for Surreyspeak.com
