This is the first time the Brandon Wheat Kings will select first overall in the WHL U.S. Priority Draft. Previously, the Wheat Kings made their highest pick in 2022, calling forward Jake Stuart from Manhattan Beach, Calif., with the second-overall selection.

2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft – Order of Selection

The 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft is scheduled for Thursday, May 8, 2025, and will be conducted online at WHL.ca. The 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft will consist of two rounds and 46 selections, with each WHL Club presented with the opportunity to make two draft choices.

The 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft Lottery was executed in two stages.

The first stage of the 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft Lottery determined the order of selection of the six non-playoff Clubs – Moose Jaw, Regina, Kelowna, Kamloops, Wenatchee, and Red Deer – and the eight teams that were eliminated during the first round of the 2025 WHL Playoffs presented by Nutrien. The six non-playoff teams and eight teams that lost in the first round of the playoffs each received one ball in the lottery. The first ball drawn determined the 15th-overall pick and the final ball drawn represented the first-overall pick in the first round of the 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft.

The Penticton Vees were awarded the fourth pick in both the first and second rounds of the 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft.

The second stage of the 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft Lottery determined the order of selection of the eight teams that won their first-round series of the 2025 WHL Playoffs. Each of the advancing eight Clubs received one ball in the lottery. The first ball drawn determined the 23rd-overall pick and the final ball drawn represented the 16th-overall pick in the first round.

The process for the 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft Lottery was administered by Karen Tolentino of KPMG.

The WHL U.S. Priority Draft began in 2020, with Florida Panthers prospect Gracyn Sawchyn selected first overall by the Red Deer Rebels. Since then, a number of impactful players have heard their names called in the WHL U.S. Priority Draft, including Alex Weiermair (Portland Winterhawks, 2020), Blake Fiddler (Edmonton Oil Kings, 2022), Lukas Sawchyn (Seattle Thunderbirds, 2022), Brandon Gorzynski (Calgary Hitmen, 2022), Jackson Gillespie (Kelowna Rockets, 2022), Brody Gillespie (Spokane Chiefs, 2023), Kalder Varga (Kelowna Rockets, 2023), and Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll (Medicine Hat Tigers, 2023).

Players eligible for the 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft are 2010-born players who have resided in the United States for two or more consecutive hockey seasons immediately preceding the WHL U.S. Priority Draft. Should a player’s family have moved from WHL territory in Canada to the U.S. for at least one complete season, the player will be eligible for the WHL U.S. Priority Draft. To be eligible for the 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft, a player must reside in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming.

Players not selected in the 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft will remain eligible to be selected in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft, beginning in the second round.

For complete coverage of the 2025 WHL Playoffs presented by Nutrien and the 2025 WHL Drafts, please visit WHL.ca.

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.

The Regina Pats won the draft lottery, moving from second to first overall. As a result, the Edmonton Oil Kings will select second overall, having previously acquired the first-round selection belonging to the Moose Jaw Warriors.

This represents the third time in franchise history the Regina Pats will select first overall. In 2020, the Pats used the first-overall pick to select forward Connor Bedard (North Vancouver, B.C.) and in 2005, they chose defenceman Colten Teubert (White Rock, B.C.).

The first round of the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft is scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, 2025, with live coverage streaming free on Victory+.

2025 WHL PROSPECTS DRAFT – FIRST ROUND ORDER OF SELECTION

The Edmonton Oil Kings (via Moose Jaw), Regina Pats, and Kelowna Rockets, had the opportunity to obtain the first-overall selection in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft. The process for the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft Lottery was administered by Karen Tolentino of KPMG.

The 2025 WHL Prospects Draft Lottery involved the six non-playoff Clubs – Moose Jaw, Regina, Kelowna, Kamloops, Wenatchee, and Red Deer – from the 2024-25 WHL Regular Season. A Club could only move up a maximum of two positions in the WHL Prospects Draft. The lottery proceedings determined the order of selection for the first seven picks in the first round of the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft, with inverse order of standing from the 2024-25 WHL Regular Season determining the order of selection for the remainder of the first round.

The Penticton Vees were awarded the fourth-overall pick in the first round of the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft. The Penticton Vees were also awarded the first pick in each remaining round, beginning with the second round. All other WHL Clubs shall draft on the inverse order of the final standings from the 2024-25 WHL Regular Season.

2025 WHL PROSPECTS DRAFT – SECOND ROUND (AND SUBSEQUENT) ORDER OF SELECTION

The first round of the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft will be held Wednesday, May 7 at 5 p.m. MT. The 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft will be held Thursday, May 8 at 9 a.m. MT, with the remainder of the WHL Prospects Draft to follow.

Since 2000, numerous impactful players have heard their names called with the first-overall pick in the WHL Prospects Draft, including but not limited to Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips, 2024), Daxon Rudolph (Prince Albert Raiders, 2023), Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers, 2022), Berkly Catton (Spokane Chiefs, 2021), Connor Bedard (Regina Pats, 2020), Matthew Savoie (Winnipeg ICE, 2019), Dylan Guenther (Edmonton Oil Kings, 2018), Kaiden Guhle (Prince Albert Raiders, 2017), Peyton Krebs (Kootenay ICE, 2016), Mathew Barzal (Seattle Thunderbirds, 2012), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Red Deer Rebels, 2008), and Braydon Coburn (Portland Winterhawks, 2000).

Players eligible for the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft are 2010-born players, who reside in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Players not selected in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft will remain eligible to be listed by WHL Clubs at any time thereafter.

For complete coverage of the 2025 WHL Playoffs presented by Nutrien and the 2025 WHL Drafts, please visit WHL.ca.

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.

WHL fans tuned in to 44 nail-biting WHL Playoff games during the first round on Victory+, representing an average viewership over 17,000 per game. Comparatively, WHL Live on CHL TV produced total event starts of approximately 166,000 across 37 games during the first round of the 2024 WHL Playoffs, for an average shy of 4,500 per game.

“Our intent in partnering with Victory+ was to create accessibility to WHL games, the exciting storylines, and the outstanding talent in the Western Hockey League for fans around the world,” commented WHL Commissioner Dan Near. “The WHL product has been on display like never before, thanks to our groundbreaking partnership with Victory+ and this is just the beginning. As hockey fans everywhere gain familiarity with the Victory+ platform, its functionality, the quality of the streams, the impact and influence of this partnership will only grow.”

Total year-over-year viewership growth beyond 3.5 times comes after the WHL announced its move to the free, ad-supported, industry-leading streaming service offered by Victory+ on March 20, 2025. This increase in viewership present outstanding opportunities to grow corporate partnership for the WHL and its member Clubs, while also expanding the value of the in-venue properties in a material way.

“The momentum behind the WHL Playoffs has been phenomenal, and the surge in fan viewership speaks volumes. Fans are tuning in to Victory+ in record numbers to support their favourite teams, creating an electric atmosphere that mirrors the passion on the ice. It’s a powerful reflection of the WHL’s talent and the loyalty of our incredible community,” said Neil Gruninger, President & CEO of APMC (owner of Victory+). “As we gear up for the next season, our focus remains on elevating the fan experience and deepening the connection between brands, the fans, teams, and players.”

Highlighting the impressive viewership tally was Game 7 of the first-round series between the Portland Winterhawks and Prince George Cougars, as over 38,000 fans tuned in to watch the Winterhawks edge the Cougars on Monday, April 7. That same night, nearly 34,000 fans watched as the Seattle Thunderbirds and Everett Silvertips battled into double overtime in Game 6, with the Silvertips eliminating the Thunderbirds on the strength of a 57-save shutout performance from goaltender Raiden LeGall.

A five-game thriller between the Swift Current Broncos and Medicine Hat Tigers generated the largest per-game audience, with an average of over 23,000 fans tuning in as Gavin McKenna and the Tigers corralled the Broncos.

In total, five games from the first round of the 2025 WHL Playoffs saw viewership eclipse the 30,000 mark, including Game 7 between the Edmonton Oil Kings and Prince Albert Raiders, which reached nearly 31,000 fans. Opening night of the 2025 WHL Playoffs saw nearly 30,500 fans watch on Victory+ as the Calgary Hitmen hosted the Saskatoon Blades in Game 1 of their best-of-seven series.

Hockey fans can look forward to more great live events from the WHL on Victory+, beginning tonight with the 2025 WHL Draft Lottery Show at 6 p.m. MT. Following the conclusion of the 2025 WHL Draft Lottery Show, fans can take in Game 1 of the second round of the 2025 WHL Playoffs when the Calgary Hitmen welcome the Lethbridge Hurricanesto the Scotiabank Saddledome at 7 p.m. MT.

The 2025 WHL Playoffs will be available on Victory+ without geo-restrictions, giving fans the opportunity to follow their favourite teams and players on the road to the WHL Championship  – streaming live and on demand. With Victory+ offering a free, ad-supported streaming service, this ensures that the game is accessible to everyone, no matter where they are or what devices they use, including Samsung and Vizio smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, iOS, Android and web browser.

The 2025-26 WHL Regular Season will also be available on Victory+ in September 2025.

Victory+ recently crossed one million downloads since launching in September 2024, further demonstrating fans’ adoption of the platform. Through its Victory Vault, the service allows fans to earn entries toward real prizes simply by watching their favourite teams.

Victory+ continues to enhance the fan experience by offering both live events and exclusive content from a variety of sports leagues. Fans can find more information on where to download the Victory+ app HERE and additional updates and future offerings can be found at www.victoryplus.com.

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.

About APMC and Victory+

A Parent Media Co. Inc. (APMC) is a media technology company focused on providing innovative solutions to consumers and brands. APMC is a leader in Safe Streaming™ delivering an end-to-end solution to brands and platforms with an emphasis on unlocking incremental revenue. Utilizing proprietary streaming and monetization technologies, APMC reaches millions of homes globally through its products including Kidoodle.TV®, Dude Perfect Streaming Service, Glitch+™, Victory+™ and Safe Exchange™. Victory+ is a groundbreaking FREE end-to-end, direct to consumer, sports streaming service made for fans, by fans. Featuring free regional broadcasts of various sports teams, including the Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks, Victory+ is also the home to a library of on-demand, premium sports-based, outdoors, and extreme sports content. Visit www.aparentmedia.com and www.victoryplus.com to learn more.

The results of the 2025 WHL Draft Lotteries will be unveiled Thursday, April 10 at 6 p.m. MT, streaming free on Victory+.

2025 WHL Prospects Draft Lottery

The 2025 WHL Prospects Draft Lottery will involve the six non-playoff Clubs – Red Deer, Wenatchee, Kamloops, Kelowna, Regina, and Moose Jaw – from the 2024-25 WHL Regular Season. A Club may only move up a maximum of two positions in the WHL Prospects Draft.

The Penticton Vees have been awarded the fourth-overall pick in the first round of the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft. Should the fifth- or sixth-place team win the lottery and move up two spots, Penticton will select fifth overall.

The WHL Prospects Draft Lottery will use a total of 21 balls, the allotment of which is as follows:

• Edmonton (via Moose Jaw) – Six balls
• Regina – Five balls
• Kelowna – Four balls
• Everett (via Kamloops) – Three balls
• Vancouver (via Wenatchee) – Two balls
• Red Deer – One ball

The lottery applies to the first round of the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft.

Starting with the second round, Penticton will receive the first pick. All other WHL Clubs shall draft based on the inverse order of the final standings from the 2024-25 WHL Regular Season.

2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft Lottery

The 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft Lottery will be executed in two stages.

The first stage of the 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft Lottery will determine the order of selection of the six non-playoff Clubs – Red Deer, Wenatchee, Kamloops, Kelowna, Regina, and Moose Jaw – and the eight teams that are eliminated during the first round of the 2025 WHL Playoffs presented by Nutrien. The six non-playoff teams and eight teams that lost in the first round of the playoffs will each receive one ball in the lottery. The first ball drawn will determine the 15th-overall pick and the final ball drawn will represent the first-overall pick in the first round of the 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft.

The Penticton Vees have been awarded the fourth-overall pick in the first round of the 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft.

The second stage of the 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft Lottery will determine the order of selection of the eight teams that win their first-round series of the 2025 WHL Playoffs. Each of the eight advancing Clubs will receive one ball in the lottery. The first ball drawn will determine the 23rd-overall pick and the final ball drawn will represent the 16th-overall pick in the first round.

The Penticton Vees will receive the fourth pick in the second round of the 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft. The order of selection for the remaining teams in the second round of the 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft will be conducted in inverse order of the first round.

2025 WHL Drafts

The first round of the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft will be held Wednesday, May 7 at 5 p.m. MT. The 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft will be held Thursday, May 8 at 9 a.m. MT, with the remainder of the WHL Prospects Draft to follow.

Since 2000, numerous impactful players have heard their names called with the first-overall pick in the WHL Prospects Draft, including but not limited to Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips, 2024), Daxon Rudolph (Prince Albert Raiders, 2023), Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers, 2022), Berkly Catton (Spokane Chiefs, 2021), Connor Bedard (Regina Pats, 2020), Matthew Savoie (Winnipeg ICE, 2019), Dylan Guenther (Edmonton Oil Kings, 2018), Kaiden Guhle (Prince Albert Raiders, 2017), Peyton Krebs (Kootenay ICE, 2016), Mathew Barzal (Seattle Thunderbirds, 2012), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Red Deer Rebels, 2008), and Braydon Coburn (Portland Winterhawks, 2000).

Players eligible for the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft are 2010-born players, who reside in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Players not selected in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft will remain eligible to be listed by WHL Clubs at any time thereafter.

The WHL U.S. Priority Draft began in 2020, with Florida Panthers prospect Gracyn Sawchyn selected first overall by the Red Deer Rebels. Since then, a number of impactful players have heard their names called in the WHL U.S. Priority Draft, including Alex Weiermair (Portland Winterhawks, 2020), Blake Fiddler (Edmonton Oil Kings, 2022), Lukas Sawchyn (Seattle Thunderbirds, 2022), Brandon Gorzynski (Calgary Hitmen, 2022), Jackson Gillespie (Kelowna Rockets, 2022), Brody Gillespie (Spokane Chiefs, 2023), Kalder Varga (Kelowna Rockets, 2023), and Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll (Medicine Hat Tigers, 2023).

Players eligible for the 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft are 2010-born players who have resided in the United States for two or more consecutive hockey seasons immediately preceding the WHL U.S. Priority Draft. Should a player’s family have moved from WHL territory in Canada to the U.S. for at least one complete season, the player will be eligible for the WHL U.S. Priority Draft. To be eligible for the 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft, a player must reside in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming.

Players not selected in the 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft will remain eligible to be selected in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft, beginning in the second round.

For complete coverage of the 2025 WHL Playoffs presented by Nutrien and the 2025 WHL Drafts, please visit WHL.ca.

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.

“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 possesses an incredibly rich hockey history, a strong commitment from its municipal government, outstanding facilities, community support, and is also home to high-performance competition, including the Canadian Sports School Hockey League (CSSHL) Championships.

“We’re thrilled with the announcement that the Western Hockey League is bringing the top tier of junior hockey to Penticton,” said Julius Bloomfield, Mayor of the City of Penticton. “Our community has a long, proud hockey tradition and this represents the next chapter in our story. The WHL will bring excitement, excellence and economic activity to our town and we can’t wait for the first training camp to open.”

Chilliwack is a longstanding outpost for junior hockey in the Lower Mainland. As a growing and thriving community with dedicated municipal government, Chilliwack will quickly establish itself as a pillar of strength in the WHL.

“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.”

Hockey Canada has granted approval for the Penticton Vees to join the WHL and return to sanctioned hockey activities.

“Today’s announcement is an exciting moment for hockey in British Columbia and Western Canada, and we are thrilled that fans in Penticton and Chilliwack will get to experience elite-level junior hockey in their communities,” said Katherine Henderson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hockey Canada. “Providing Canadian athletes with premier development opportunities in our country is of the utmost importance to Hockey Canada and our Members, and we anticipate the WHL’s expansion will have a positive impact on our efforts with BC Hockey to grow the game in a hockey system that prioritizes the safety and wellness of participants. We congratulate the WHL and the cities of Penticton and Chilliwack for their roles in ensuring the sport of hockey continues to thrive and unite communities across our country.”

The expansion of the WHL to Penticton and Chilliwack will increase the WHL footprint to 24 member Clubs by 2026-27, including 18 throughout Western Canada and six in the Pacific Northwest United States.

“As we evaluate the everchanging landscape of hockey, this marks a critical opportunity for the WHL to invest in enhancing the WHL Player Experience across all 24 WHL markets,” Near said. “The WHL remains committed to offering a world-class player experience for hockey’s elite junior-aged players, and with that, we will continually raise our standards across the board to adapt to the changing landscape.”

Strategically, these two key markets fit perfectly within the WHL’s existing footprint in the Western Conference, particularly as it pertains to B.C.’s Lower Mainland, Okanagan, and South Thompson Valley regions. Penticton will join the WHL’s B.C. Division and Western Conference for 2025-26.

Penticton, British Columbia (2025-26)

The WHL Penticton franchise will be owned and operated by Graham Fraser, who has been the majority owner of the BCHL’s Penticton Vees since June 2008. Fraser will migrate the Vees franchise to the WHL.

Joining Fraser as partners are Winnipeg Jets forward and Ontario Hockey League alumnus Mark Scheifele, former New York Rangers goaltender Mike Richter, and prominent Penticton businessmen Joe Walters and Gord Kovacik.

“We are excited to welcome Graham Fraser and the entire Penticton Vees ownership group, along with Fred Harbinson, to the WHL,” commented WHL Commissioner Dan Near. “Following productive conversations with BC Hockey and Hockey Canada, we collectively agree that the repatriation of the Penticton Vees is good for the game of hockey in Canada.”

Harbinson will serve as the President, General Manager, and Head Coach of the WHL’s Penticton Vees.

The WHL’s Penticton Vees franchise will join the B.C. Division in the Western Conference for the 2025-26 regular season.

“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.”

The Penticton Vees will be bound by Hockey Canada’s existing player transfer regulations as well as WHL regulations. The Vees will participate in the 2025 WHL Expansion Draft, which is scheduled for Wednesday, May 7. They will also participate in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft, 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft, and 2025 CHL Import Draft. The Vees have begun recruiting a 15-player list, which will expand to the WHL standard 50-player list May 7.

“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’s South Okanagan Events Centre – a WHL-ready, multi-purpose facility that seats 5,000 – has been home to the Penticton Vees since 2008.

“Penticton’s South Okanagan Events Centre is WHL ready and is one of the best amateur sports facilities in all of Western Canada,” Near said. “It is only natural that this gem houses a franchise in the WHL. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to bring WHL hockey to Penticton for the 2025-26 WHL season.”

Opened in 2008, the South Okanagan Events Centre is owned by the City of Penticton and managed by Oak View Group. The Okanagan’s premier sports and entertainment venue, the South Okanagan Events Centre has played host to world-class concerts and events and houses the Okanagan Hockey School along with the B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame.

The 95,000-square-foot facility includes three ice rinks, modern dressing rooms, food and beverage service, team merchandise store, and 27 luxury suites. The South Okanagan Events Centre is also connected to the 60,000-square-foot Penticton Trade and Convention Centre – one of the largest trade show and convention facilities in B.C.

The greater Penticton region is home to nearly 45,000 people. Penticton represents a natural, geographical rival for the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets and Kamloops Blazers.

Chilliwack, British Columbia (2026-27)

The City of Chilliwack is home to the Chilliwack Coliseum – a WHL-ready, multi-purpose facility that seats 5,000. Opened in 2004, the Chilliwack Coliseum is owned and operated by the City of Chilliwack. The Chilliwack Coliseum has played host to world-class concerts and events, including trade shows and conventions.

The City of Chilliwack is set to invest $3.7 million in upgrades to the Chilliwack Coliseum prior to the arrival of a WHL franchise in 2026-27, including enhancements to the scoreboard, lighting system, NHL-standard boards, and more.

The 144,000-square-foot facility includes two NHL-sized ice rinks, modern dressing rooms, food and beverage service, team merchandise store, and 13 luxury suites.

Chilliwack has an estimated population over 107,000, with expectations for it to see the largest population growth in the Fraser Valley in the next five years. Chilliwack also represents a natural, geographical rival for the WHL’s Vancouver Giants.

The WHL will immediately launch a franchise application process where interested parties will be invited to present a plan including a vision for hockey operations, community integration, and business operations, which will be evaluated by the WHL Commissioner and Executive Committee.

The WHL anticipates announcing the outcome of the franchise application process prior to the start of the 2025-26 WHL season, subject to the approval of the WHL Board of Governors.

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.