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The future of junior football in Prince George is uncertain as the Prince George Kodiaks face significant challenges ahead of their annual general meeting on Wednesday night. Leadership turmoil, financial difficulties, and questions about roster viability are casting a shadow over the team’s prospects.
Former team linebacker Caiden Crow described the situation as a “hard recovery” for the Kodiaks in an interview with CBC’s Daybreak North.
The franchise has been in upheaval since the February firing of head coach and director of football operations, Jamie Boreham. Boreham, a former Canadian Football League player, was dismissed just months after leading the Kodiaks to their first-ever playoff appearance and earning national coach of the year honors.
Public Outcry and Board Resignations
The decision to remove Boreham sparked immediate backlash, leading to the resignations of the team’s president, vice president, and treasurer.
In a statement, the team said, “The decisions made were not taken lightly and were guided by a responsibility to protect the long-term future of the program, our athletes, and the community we serve.”
An online petition calling for Boreham’s reinstatement is currently circulating.
Ryan Bellamy, now serving as the team’s interim general manager and previously on Boreham’s coaching staff, explained that the Kodiaks operate as a non-profit organization reliant on sponsorships and community support. He noted that local businesses have been facing tough economic conditions.
“There was some financial shortcomings that weren’t expected for the team last season,” Bellamy said. “Their choice at that point in time was what they had in front of them.”
Significant Travel Costs and League Budget
The Kodiaks compete in the B.C. Football Conference and face the highest travel expenses in the seven-team league. In addition to staff salaries, the team must cover costs for equipment and facility use. Their nearest opponent is a six-hour drive away in Kamloops, with other teams located in Kelowna, Chilliwack, Langley, Victoria, and Nanaimo.
Bellamy also pointed out that Boreham oversaw the team’s community youth programs and other off-season responsibilities as director of football operations, in addition to his coaching duties.
While Bellamy did not disclose the amount of money saved by eliminating Boreham’s salary, he stated that the league does not require teams to have a director of football operations.
League president Tyler McLaren said the Kodiaks operated with a budget of approximately $500,000 last season.
Players Explore Other Options
Since the recent changes, five key Kodiaks players have signed with university programs rather than remaining with the team.
Caiden Crow, who had planned to return for a fourth season, has committed to St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia.
“I recognize many of the players stand with Boreham and ride with Boreham, and quite honestly it could be tough to field a roster next season,” Crow said.
“Coaches, players, family members, everyone in this community looks up to Jamie and has a lot of respect for him.”
Boreham declined to comment, stating he is seeking legal counsel regarding his dismissal.
However, Bellamy indicated that Boreham has been contacted regarding a potential continued role with the team, depending on the direction chosen by the new board.
McLaren affirmed the league’s desire to spot the Kodiaks continue to compete. “We’re here to obviously support and support, but ultimately they have to prove to the conference, and our member clubs, that they are going to be a viable entity in order to play in 2026,” McLaren said. “Given the timelines, that’s the challenge that the group has. So far, there seems to be confidence and people are working through a lot of the challenges, so that gives us hope.”
