Cloverdale Jr. Hockey Franchise Suspended, Coach Adam Rossignol Reacts

URGENT UPDATE: The Cloverdale Jr. hockey franchise has been abruptly suspended from the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL), shocking players, fans, and coaches just days before the 2025-2026 season was set to begin. The league has canceled all games and has yet to provide any explanations, leaving the community in disbelief.

Players and families are grappling with the fallout, and frustrations are mounting as attempts to reach PJHL officials have gone unanswered. The league’s commissioner, Trevor Alto, has not responded to inquiries from local media, raising further concerns about transparency.

Head coach Adam Rossignol, who was appointed in May, expressed his devastation in a heartfelt Facebook message. Growing up in Cloverdale and coaching minor hockey for the Colts, Rossignol had long dreamed of leading a junior team in his hometown. “When we spent five years coaching minor hockey at the U18 level for the Colts, we always fantasized about how cool it would be to one day coach a junior team in this city,” he stated.

The sudden news of the franchise’s suspension has left Rossignol and the community reeling. “I still feel like we are all in shock,” he wrote. The timing and lack of information from the league have left players and families without answers or hope. “I can’t help but feel extremely guilty and sick,” he added. “I have had meetings, phone calls, and recruited these players and families in good faith.”

Rossignol’s message highlights the emotional toll this situation has taken on the young athletes who were prepared to play for Cloverdale. He emphasized that the league’s focus should be on the players and the community, not on politics or financial concerns. “It’s about the great people and players who have been involved in this league for the last 60 years,” he wrote.

In a call to action, Rossignol urged decision-makers to reconsider their stance and prioritize the players affected by this decision. “The time is always right, to do what is right,” he stated, appealing for a resolution that would allow the team to return to the ice.

As the community rallies behind the franchise, a petition has emerged on change.org to save the team. The situation is developing rapidly, and local supporters are encouraged to take action to ensure that the Cloverdale hockey dream is not lost.

This breaking news story underscores the urgent need for clarity from the PJHL and highlights the profound impact this decision has on the local community. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.