WHL hockey is expanding into the South Okanagan.
This morning (Monday), the league made it official and announced the arrival of the BCHL’s Penticton Vees as the newest expansion franchise that will begin play next season.
“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,” commented WHL Commissioner Dan Near.
As reported earlier by MyPGNow, the Penticton franchise will be owned and operated by Graham Fraser, who has been the majority owner of the BCHL’s Vees since June 2008.
Fraser will migrate the Vees franchise to the WHL.
Joining Fraser as partners are Winnipeg Jets forward and Ontario Hockey League alumnus Mark Scheifele, former New York Rangers goaltender Mike Richter, and prominent Penticton businessmen Joe Walters and Gord Kovacik.
“We are excited to welcome Graham Fraser and the entire Penticton Vees ownership group, along with Fred Harbinson, to the WHL,” commented WHL Commissioner Dan Near.
“Following productive conversations with BC Hockey and Hockey Canada, we collectively agree that the repatriation of the Penticton Vees is good for the game of hockey in Canada.”
Fred Harbinson will serve as the President, General Manager, and Head Coach as the Vees join the BC Division.
The Vees will participate in the 2025 WHL Expansion Draft, which is scheduled for Wednesday, May 7.
They will also be a part of this year’s Prospects Draft, U.S. Priority Draft, and CHL Import Draft.
The Vees, who play out of the 5,000 seat South Okanagan Events Centre, have begun recruiting a 15-player list, which will expand to 50 by May.
In addition, the WHL launched the initiation of a franchise application process for the City of Chilliwack, to begin play in the 2026-27 WHL season.
“Having the WHL select Chilliwack for expansion is exciting for our community,” said Jason Lum, Acting Mayor of the City of Chilliwack.
“The league has a strong track record of supporting youth programs and local charities while boosting the economy in its home cities. Along with the high calibre of play, the WHL also plays a crucial role in developing future NHL stars.”
The Chilliwack Coliseum – is a WHL-ready, multi-purpose facility that seats 5,000.
Opened in 2004, the Coliseum is owned and operated by the City of Chilliwack.
The expansion of the WHL to Penticton and Chilliwack will increase the league to 24 member clubs by 2026-27.
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