Spokane Chiefs named winner of WHL Business Award for 2024-25
Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today the Spokane Chiefs as the winner of the WHL Business Award for the 2024-25 WHL Regular Season.
The WHL Business Award is presented annually to the WHL Club that best exemplifies giving back to the community and producing an electrifying game-day experience for fans.
“It’s a great honor to receive this award, especially knowing how hard every staff in the WHL works throughout the season,” Vice President Jay Stewart said. “This recognition reflects the hours, creativity, and dedication to producing a full season of hockey for our community. The energy of everyone involved in Spokane Chiefs hockey is remarkable. We’re also fortunate to have a hockey operations department and group of players who work hand-in-hand with the business staff to help us all achieve our goals. This award also is a representation of how great our fans and sponsors are. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to create the atmosphere in the Spokane Arena that Chiefs games are synonymous with. We’re grateful for their continued support.”
The Chiefs were last recognized with the WHL Business Award in 2022-23. This also marks the fourth time in franchise history the Chiefs have been named winner of the WHL Business Award, previously being recognized in 1995-96 and 2000-01.
The Chiefs celebrated their 40th anniversary season in the Western Hockey League with a banner year across all areas of business operations, setting benchmarks in attendance, community impact, digital innovation, and league collaborations.
The Chiefs ranked second in WHL attendance with 220,000 fans passing through the doors of the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, averaging over 6,500 fans per game, representing the Club’s highest per-game average since 2008-09. The successful season at the gate included two sellouts over 10,000 fans each, and 13 games with more than 7,500 in attendance. The Chiefs experienced 20-per-cent growth in season ticket revenue with a 95-per-cent renewal rate and record-setting group sales.
Inspired by MLB’s Seattle Mariners and the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks, the Chiefs executed successful promotional nights, including Educator Appreciation Night, and raised over $20,000 through theme jersey sales. A new partnership with a Veteran-led law firm launched community initiatives like Wreaths for Fallen Heroes and the Get Out and Play Challenge.
The Chiefs generated record high revenues in corporate sponsorship for the third consecutive season and enjoyed successful performance on digital platforms, including drawing one million pageviews on SpokaneChiefs.com, 4.6 million impressions on Instagram, and more than 750,000 views on TikTok.
With a commitment to innovation, community, and excellence, the Spokane Chiefs serve as a model franchise in the WHL.
The WHL Business Award was voted upon by WHL General Managers.
Winners of the WHL Business Award (since 2005)
2024-25: Spokane Chiefs
2023-24: Edmonton Oil Kings
2022-23: Spokane Chiefs
2021-22: Everett Silvertips
2020-21: Not presented due to COVID-19
2019-20: Lethbridge Hurricanes
2018-19: Everett Silvertips
2017-18: Edmonton Oil Kings
2016-17: Regina Pats
2015-16: Victoria Royals
2014-15: Kelowna Rockets
2013-14: Seattle Thunderbirds
2012-13: Dave Chyzowski, Kamloops Blazers
2011-12: Corey Nyhagen, Moose Jaw Warriors
2010-11: Mike Moore, Calgary Hitmen
2009-10: Zoran Rajcic, Everett Silvertips
2008-09: Mike Bortolussi, Medicine Hat Tigers
2007-08: Kip Reghenas, Calgary Hitmen
2006-07: Bruce Vance, Prince Albert Raiders
2005-06: Dave Andjelic, Medicine Hat Tigers
2004-05: Roger Lemire, Vancouver Giants
About the Western Hockey League
Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alta. The WHL offers a world-class player experience featuring three key cornerstones: hockey development, education, and a safe and positive environment for all participants. A diverse and inclusive organization, the WHL consists of 22 member Clubs with 16 located in Western Canada and six in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for close to 60 years. The WHL is also a leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 375 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.
