The Western Hockey League is coming back to Chilliwack.
The league announced on Monday (March 24) the start of a franchise application process for the City of Chilliwack and the new expansion team is scheduled to begin play out of the Chilliwack Coliseum starting in the 2026-27 WHL season.
鈥淗aving the WHL select Chilliwack for expansion is exciting for our community,鈥� stated Jason Lum, acting mayor of the City of Chilliwack. 鈥淭he 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.鈥�
The WHL announced today the awarding of an expansion franchise to the for the 2025-26 WHL season along with the initiation of a franchise application process for the , to begin play in the 2026-27 WHL season.
鈥� Western Hockey League (@TheWHL)
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The City of Chilliwack announced on Friday (March 21) that ownership of the Chilliwack Coliseum will revert from the Chiefs Development Group back to solely the City starting on May 1.
The City is working with CDG for the management operations of the facility until May 1, 2026, and will work with CDG and current tenants on a transition plan.
The City of Chilliwack is set to invest $3.7 million in upgrades to the Chilliwack Coliseum prior to the arrival of a WHL franchise in 2026-27, including enhancements to the scoreboard, lighting system, NHL-standard boards, and more.
BREAKING: Ownership of the will revert back to starting on May 1. It was previously under a public-private partnership with .
鈥� Ben Lypka (@BenLypka)
This opens up the building to other tenants (like )
The WHL stated they they will immediately launch a franchise application process where 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 added that they anticipate 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.
The BCHL confirmed on Monday that the Chiefs franchise will continue. They will compete in the 2025-26 season and the years beyond. It's unclear where the Chiefs will play next season and in the years that follow.
"We are pleased to have the Chiefs organization in the BCHL next season and beyond," stated Rich Murphy, chairman of the BCHL board of governors. "The BCHL remains committed to advancing its position as one of the world鈥檚 premier college-tracking junior hockey leagues. The BCHL continues to evolve as junior hockey undergoes significant changes, but its foundation remains solid."
The WHL also announced on Monday that the Penticton Vees will be moving from the BCHL to the WHL starting with the 2025-26 season. The Penticton BCHL franchise will be relocating elsewhere.