The Western Hockey League is focusing on B.C. growth.
On Monday, the league awarded the Penticton Vees, currently in the BCHL, an expansion franchise for the 2025-26 season and announced the initiation of a franchise application process for Chilliwack.
The news was first reported by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on the Saturday Headlines segment of Hockey Night in Canada.
“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,” WHL commissioner Dan Near said in a statement. “Communities within B.C. produce talented young players from thriving grassroots hockey programs and we’re pleased to deliver WHL franchises to two important centres in the province — Penticton and Chilliwack."
The Vees will become the league's 23rd team, while the WHL hopes Chilliwack boosts that number in 2026-27.
Graham Fraser, who has been the majority owner of the BCHL’s Penticton Vees since June 2008, will be the owner of the city's WHL team.
Winnipeg Jets star Mark Scheifele and former New York Rangers goaltender Mike Richter also are part of the ownership group.
Fraser was Scheifele's billet when he played for the Ontario Hockey League's Barrie Colts.
An expansion draft for Penticton will be held on May 7.
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