Oliver, BC – The Western International Junior Hockey League (WIJHL) is proud to announce the approval of an expansion franchise in the Town of Oliver, British Columbia. Beginning in the upcoming season, Oliver will officially join the WIJHL, bringing junior hockey to one of the province’s most vibrant and passionate communities.
The approval follows an extensive review process conducted by the League’s Board of Governors and Executive Committee, which unanimously endorsed the ownership group’s application based on its commitment to player development, organizational stability, and community engagement.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Oliver and their ownership group to the Western International Junior Hockey League,” said Brandon Buliziuk, Chairman of the WIJHL. “Oliver is a beautiful and vibrant community located in the heart of British Columbia’s wine country. The town has a rich hockey tradition, modern facilities, and a strong sense of community pride that makes it an ideal location for a junior hockey franchise.”
“The ownership group has demonstrated a clear vision for building a first-class organization that will provide opportunities for young athletes to develop both on and off the ice. We are confident the Oliver team will become an outstanding addition to our league and a tremendous source of pride for the community.” stated Buliziuk.
The addition of Oliver represents another important step in the WIJHL’s continued growth and commitment to providing high-quality junior hockey opportunities throughout British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest. The expansion strengthens the league’s regional footprint while creating new rivalries, enhancing player development opportunities, and increasing community engagement across the league.
The Town of Oliver, widely recognized as the “Wine Capital of Canada,” offers an exceptional environment for junior hockey. With a passionate sports culture, dedicated volunteers, and strong local support, the community is well-positioned to embrace and support the team as they prepare for their inaugural season. Mayor Johansen of the Town of Oliver stated “The Town of Oliver is excited to welcome a new WIJHL team to the Oliver & District Arena. We have a newly upgraded, fantastic facility for the team to play in and call home, and I know the community support for the team will be nothing short of amazing.”
Rod Hume, on behalf of ownership group JMRH Hockey Development ULC stated “We are thrilled to bring junior hockey to Oliver and join the WIJHL. We appreciate the confidence shown by the league and are excited to build a first-class organization that represents Oliver with pride, provides opportunities for young athletes to develop both on and off the ice, and creates a lasting impact throughout the community.”
Over the coming weeks and months, the Oliver team will be named and a logo presented, and will begin assembling their hockey operations staff, launching community outreach initiatives, and preparing for player recruitment ahead of their inaugural season.
Additional details regarding team operations, staffing announcements, and franchise activities will be released in the coming weeks.
About the Western International Junior Hockey League
The Western International Junior Hockey League (WIJHL) is dedicated to providing a competitive, development-focused junior hockey experience that prepares student-athletes for advancement in hockey, education, and life. Through strong community partnerships and a commitment to excellence, the WIJHL continues to grow opportunities for players throughout Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest.
