WHL to announce expansion this week

The Western Hockey League is about to grow.

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the WHL will be adding at least one new Canadian team for next season, while a second may follow shortly after.

The WHL is expected to announce a new club early next week, with the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League joining the WHL, Friedman reported during Hockey Night In Canada’s Saturday Headlines segment. Friedman added that the announcement could happen as soon as Monday.

Former NHL star Mike Richter and Winnipeg Jets centre Mark Scheifele are expected to be a part of the ownership group as both have ties to the Vees. Richter’s son, Thomas, played for Penticton, while the Vees majority owner Graham Fraser was Scheifele’s billet when he played for Barrie in the Ontario Hockey League.

Friedman also reported that the WHL is expected to solicit ownership bids for a team in Chilliwack, B.C. That team could arrive as soon as the 2026-27 season.