The BCHL’s Powell River Kings are seeking immediate support from its fans and the hockey community.
Powell River Kings Hockey Club Society president Shaun Garvey said the organization that has provided financial backing for the community-owned franchise is no longer able to continue its support.
That leaves the club facing a projected $200,000 shortfall by the end of the season, driven by rising costs, declining revenue and volunteer fatigue.
The society held a well-attended town hall meeting last week to outline the situation and urge fans and the broader hockey community to step forward.
Shaun Garvey comments:
“We’re also in pretty aggressive conversations with a variety of parties, either individuals or groups, about their interest in potentially either supporting the team from a significant sponsorship perspective, or investment, or even purchasing the franchise,” said Garvey.
The society said losing the franchise would be devastating not only for Powell River’s hockey fans but for the community as a whole.
The BCHL has granted the Kings an extended deadline of Jan. 12 to commit to the 2026-27 season.
Garvey said it is crucial the local hockey community continue to support the club through the remainder of the season, whether by attending games or assisting with fundraising.
The society plans to launch several fundraising initiatives in the coming weeks and is seeking volunteers to help with those efforts.
Shaun Garvey comments:
“We just want people to step up and help us get that done,” said Garvey. “It takes a village to get this type of endeavour to be successful. If anybody’s able to do that, [we’d] be interested to hear from them.”
The BCHL franchise has been based in Powell River since 1988, when it was known as the Powell River Paper Kings. The club adopted the Kings name in 1998.
The Kings’ next home game is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 2, against the Coquitlam Express.
A Go Fund Me has been launched to help the team offset it’s projected shortfall, click here to send a donation.
– Article includes Go Fund Me link
