FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - The Falher Pirates will not take to the ice this season after announcing a one-year leave of absence from the North Peace Hockey League (NPHL).
The organization said it does not have enough players to field a competitive senior hockey team for the 2026-27 campaign.
The team described the move as a difficult decision, but said taking a year off is the best path forward for the organization.
The Pirates emphasized that the leave is temporary and that the club intends to regroup, rebuild and return to league play for the 2027-28 season.
The team also thanked its players, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and fans for their support over the years.
According to Paul van Nostrand, president of the Fort St. John Flyers, player shortages have become a growing challenge for senior hockey clubs.
He said the Pirates’ situation appears to be temporary and he hopes the organization will be back on the ice next season.
van Nostrand noted that every team in the NPHL has dealt with similar challenges at some point, adding that maintaining senior hockey rosters is becoming increasingly difficult as players move on to other commitments.
van Nostrand said, “All teams in the NPHL have been through this, it is hard to stock teams. Senior hockey is tough to maintain, the players now have families and careers and that wasn’t the case during their junior hockey days.”
The news comes only one season removed from the Pirates winning the NPHL Championship.
The Pirates have been part of the league since the NPHL’s early years in the 1950s. Their absence means the league will move forward with 9 teams this season.
The timing of the decision could also lead to financial penalties for the club and has forced adjustments to the league schedule.
The Dawson Creek Canucks regular season gets underway on October 17 at home against High Prairie. The Fort St. John Flyers play their first game on October 18 in Grande Prairie.