As rumored, the Penticton Vees, formerly of the BCHL, are joining the WHL for the 2025-26 season. Also, the BCHL’s Chilliwack Chiefs have an application pending to join the WHL in 2026-27. As part of an ownership restructuring by Penticton, it will add current NHL’er Mark Scheifele and retired goaltender Mike Richter as partners. Local businessman Graham Fraser will remain the managing partner.
At first blush, this appears to be a complete abandonment of the BCHL by one of its long-tenured members. However, a Fraser-owned BCHL club is expected to compete next season in a location to be determined. The link to a league statement to that effect is attached.
The shakeup to the world of junior hockey continues following the major shift by the NCAA permitting CHL players access to the college ranks.
https://bchl.ca/bchl-statement-on-penticton-and-chilliwack-whl-expansion