Western Hockey League expanding to 24 teams with new franchise in Chilliwack

CHILLIWACK — The Western Hockey League will return to Chilliwack starting next season.

The league announced Thursday that it will expand to 24 teams with a franchise in the city situated about 100 kilometres east of Vancouver in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley.

The ownership group includes former Vancouver Canucks forward Mason Raymond and former Chicago Blackhawks and Abbotsford Canucks head coach Jeremy Colliton.

Colliton will serve as governor, general manager, and head coach of the club.

The team will play at the 5,000-seat Chilliwack Coliseum. Branding and the team name will be unveiled at a future local launch event

It’s the second time the WHL has expanded to Chilliwack. The Chilliwack Bruins joined the league as its 21st team and played from 2006 to 2011 before relocating to Victoria.

Chilliwack is also home to the Chiefs of the BCHL.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 4, 2026.

The Canadian Press