Two B.C. cities are getting WHL expansion teams, including Chilliwack
The Western Hockey League is expanding, and that’s good news for a pair of British Columbia cities.
A WHL expansion franchise has been officially awarded to the Penticton Vees, who will begin play next season. Chilliwack is also getting a team, beginning in 2026-27.
“This is an exciting day, as the Western Hockey League takes its next step as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players,” said WHL Commissioner Dan Near. “We’re pleased to deliver WHL franchises to two important centres in the province – Penticton and Chilliwack. In each market the WHL operates in, we aim to serve as role models within the local hockey community, business community, and beyond. We look forward to the opportunity to continue these efforts in Penticton and Chilliwack.”
The move will increase the number of teams in the WHL to 24, including seven in B.C., as Penticton and Chilliwack join the Vancouver Giants, Victoria Royals, Kamloops Blazers, Kelowna Rockets, and Prince George Cougars.
The Penticton franchise will be owned by Graham Fraser, who has been the majority owner of the Penticton Vees BCHL franchise since 2008. Fraser has partnered with some high-profile investors, including Winnipeg Jets centre Mark Scheifele and former New York Rangers goaltender Mike Richter. He has also partnered with prominent Penticton businessmen Joe Walters and Gord Kovacik.
Penticton will play games out of the 5,000-seat South Okanagan Events Centre, well known to Vancouver Canucks fans as the host arena for the now-defunct Young Stars prospect tournament.
Chilliwack does not yet have an owner, with the league beginning a “franchise application process.”
“Interested parties will be invited to present a plan including a vision for hockey operations, community integration, and business operations, which will be evaluated by the WHL Commissioner and Executive Committee,” the WHL said in a media release.
“The WHL anticipates announcing the outcome of the franchise application process prior to the start of the 2025-26 WHL season, subject to the approval of the WHL Board of Governors.”
Will Francesco Aquilini put in a bid? The Vancouver Canucks owner has had reported interest in putting a WHL team in Chilliwack before.
The Chilliwack franchise marks a return to the Fraser Valley for the WHL after the Chilliwack Bruins left in 2011 after just five seasons. The new team, which is still unnamed, will play out of the 5,000-seat Chilliwack Coliseum.
The City of Chilliwack will invest $3.7 million in upgrades to the arena, the WHL announced. Among the upgrades include enhancements to the scoreboard and lighting system, as well as the installation of NHL-standard boards.
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