After six years of serving in the role, Graham Fraser has stepped down as chair of the BCHL Board of Governors.

The Penticton Vees owner will be replaced by the Trail Smoke Eaters' Rick Murphy, effective immediately, after he was elected by his peers on the board, the league announced Friday, June 14.

"Graham Fraser has done an excellent job and laid an incredible foundation for me and our league," Murphy said. "I look forward to doing my part in modernizing hockey within the BCHL and witnessing the positive changes happening in the ever-evolving world of junior hockey."

Fraser will remain on the BCHL's executive committee moving forward, the league said.

鈥淭he BCHL would like to thank Graham Fraser for his tireless work over the past six years as Chair,鈥� said Steven Cocker, the league's commissioner. 鈥淗e helped guide this league through some of its most formative years and his contribution was invaluable.

The league's announcement comes after its annual general meeting, held in Richmond on May 29 and 30.

Representatives from Pentiction's BCHL team on Friday took to social media to congratulate Fraser on his tenure in the role.

"We want to congratulate owner Graham Fraser on his six-year run as the Chair of the BCHL Board of Governors," the Vees said.

"Wishing all the best to Trail's Rich Murphy in the new role."