WHL to Add Penticton Vees in 2025-26 and Chilliwack in 2026-27

The Western Hockey League is adding two new teams over the next two seasons. Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday’s headlines where he discussed the expected announcement on Monday.

This doesn’t come as a surprise with the new NCAA/CHL eligibility agreement. After the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) defected from the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) on May 1st, 2023, there was a lot of discussion regarding the future of the former Junior A league turned independent. Some teams from the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) defected to the BCHL and now have to apply for reinstatement into the AJHL, should they choose to return to the AJHL.

With the Vees leaving for the WHL next season, the BCHL lost one of their top teams which will no doubt hurt the BCHL and only strengthen the WHL.

In Friedman’s report, he also mentioned that current Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele will become a part of the ownership group for the Vees. Scheifele joins former NHL goalie Mike Richter.

There was a further comment that Chilliwack could be headed over to the WHL in 2026-27, but they have to begin a search for an ownership group before a team is brought in.

Chilliwack will be an interesting expansion group to bring in after their complicated history with the WHL, but it is still not a surprise.

All in all, it will be interesting to see how the BCHL survives going forward, especially after losing their ace card where they were the main path to the NCAA.

ITR 31: Let Them Fight – Inside The Rink

Join Conrad and Chris to discuss WHL expansion, Thatcher Demko returning from IR, Gabe Viladri out week-to-week, Gabriel Landeskog a full practice participant, and the NHL referees stopping a goalie fight. Join in on all this and MUCH more!

1. ITR 31: Let Them Fight 01:03:52
2. ITR 30: Down The Stretch 59:42
3. ITR 29: Trade Deadline Review 01:02:40
4. ITR 28: Deadline Week 44:07
5. ITR 27: Trade Season Begins 01:07:33