News Article: Pentiction Vees awarded WHL franchise next year, initiated franchise application for Chilliwack in 2026-27

[Bubbles]

WHL adds Penticton, looks for ownership in Chilliwack

Just to clarify, the Penticton Vees are awarded an WHL franchise, but still maintain membership in the BCHL. They are looking to sell that team to someone else.


They are also LOOKING for owners of a future Chilliwack franchise. The current Chilliwack Chiefs have nothing to do with the new WHL expansion are continuing in the BCHL.


Wasn't Aquaman looking into buying the Chiefs? Maybe he'll be interested in the new franchise.

 

[HairyKneel]

Penticton can't support two junior teams. They'll sell and move the Tier 2 team.

 

[VanJack]

It seems like a curious time for the WHL to expanding. Didn't they just open up the possibility of CHL players earning scholarships to play NCAA hockey in the U.S.?

Makes you wonder how long it will be before U.S. college hockey programs start scooping up not only guys from Tier Two Junior, but Major Junior as well.

Not sure where they're going to get all the players. But maybe kids playing in the BCJHL will be able to move up and play Major Junior, while still protecting their scholarship status. So it might be those leagues like the BCJHL or AJHL who suffer the most.

 

[sting101]

Curious? It makes sense. Seems like 2 no brainers (CHI and PEN) to round out 4 divisions of 6 with the BCHL being less important to kids seeking NCAA scholarships and more quality available

Do wonder what happens with the BCHL now that they wont get the NCAA star players.

 

[krutovsdonut]

Penticton can't support two junior teams. They'll sell and move the Tier 2 team.

probably, but tier 2 teams are a completely different animal with the ncaa eligibility restrictions gone. the bchl is basically a soccer second division.

if they can't sell i can see the bchl franchise moving to summerland or oliver and sharing facilities with the whl team and basically being a farm team.

 

[Bubbles]

It seems like a curious time for the WHL to expanding. Didn't they just open up the possibility of CHL players earning scholarships to play NCAA hockey in the U.S.?

Makes you wonder how long it will be before U.S. college hockey programs start scooping up not only guys from Tier Two Junior, but Major Junior as well.

Not sure where they're going to get all the players. But maybe kids playing in the BCJHL will be able to move up and play Major Junior, while still protecting their scholarship status. So it might be those leagues like the BCJHL or AJHL who suffer the most.

The NCAA changed it's rules to allow recruitment of CHL players. About 100 or so have committed to college teams already.