When the COVID‑19 shutdown halted traditional winter hockey, a handful of friends in Langford decided to keep the puck moving by organizing informal pickup games on local ponds.
What began as a casual pastime quickly attracted attention, and by the following season the league had formalized into a structured competition, eventually expanding to six divisions and a roster of more than 250 skaters.
A Community‑Driven Summer Circuit
The league’s rapid growth reflects not only the talent of its participants but also the vision of its founders, Zack Whittaker and Kenny Britton, who saw an opportunity to give players a chance to translate off‑season training into game situations.
Today, athletes from a spectrum of junior and collegiate programs — including the WHL, BCHL, and NCAA — converge in Langford each summer to compete, sharpen their skills, and showcase their abilities in a low‑pressure environment.
In 2023 the league took another step forward by adding a dedicated female division, overseen by Megan Bouveur, a former player who now helps shape a more inclusive hockey culture in the region.
The season culminates each year with the Dayton Clarke Memorial Championship, held at Westhills Arena and named in honor of Dayton Clarke, a promising youngster who passed away in 2023 and whose legacy continues to inspire teammates and opponents alike.
Organizers attribute the league’s sustained success to the strong sense of community it fosters, the dedication of its volunteers, and the willingness of local businesses and institutions — such as Trinity Western University and Birmingham Bulls — to support its growth.