Penticton granted an expansion franchise

By Lethbridge Herald on March 24, 2025.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The Okanagan Valley will have a second Western Hockey League in it comes this fall next to the  Kelowna Rockets.

The WHL announced on Monday that the Penticton Vees were granted an expansion franchise that will begin play in September 2025.

“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.

 “Communities within B.C. produce talented young players from thriving grassroots hockey programs and we’re pleased to deliver WHL franchises to two important centres in the province – Penticton and Chilliwack. In each market the WHL operates in, we aim to serve as role models within the local hockey community, business community, and beyond. We look forward to the opportunity to continue these efforts in Penticton and Chilliwack.”

Penticton is known for its rich hockey history, for having a strong backing from municipal government, having  facilities that are outstanding, community support and houses many high-performance competitions.

Graham Fraser, who since 2008 owned had been the majority owner of the BCHL Vees, will own and operate the WHL team and have partners in current Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele, former New York Rangers goaltender Mike Richter and Penticton businessmen Joe Walters and Gord Kovacik.

“It’s a very exciting time for our community and the Penticton Vees,” Fraser said.

“We feel the city and hockey team are ready to take the next step and join the WHL. With Fred Harbinson, Dean Clarke, and our staffs, we will be in a great place to have continued success. I would like to thank our ownership group of Mark Scheifele, Mike Richter, Joe Walters, and Gord Kovacik for their support in making this a reality.”

Harbinson, who is the current head coach of BCHL’s Vees, will have multiple duties including the head coaching position, general manager  and president.

“This is a monumental moment in our franchise’s history, starting as an iconic senior team in the 1950s, to being a premier Junior ‘A’ team for the past 65 years,” Harbinson said. “The move to the WHL is the next chapter in the legacy of hockey in Penticton. I look forward to this new challenge, while competing against the best players and coaches in junior hockey.”

Penticton will battle in the B.C. Division and will be near geographical rivals in the Kelowna Rockets and the Kamloops Blazers.

Penticton will enter an expansion draft on May 7 as well as participate in  the Prospects, U.S. and Import drafts.

It also announced that the City of Chilliwack wants to submit a franchise application process to have a team in place for the 2026-2027 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 league hopes to have a decision prior to the 2025-2026 season.