Last updated 4/1/2026
When will you become an independent league?
We remain a member of the KIJHL for the duration of the 2025-26 season. Our decision to not renew membership means we become an independent league on June 1, 2026.
What will your new league be called?
We will be called the Western International Junior Hockey League (WIJHL).
In order to capture the geography and meaning of where our league exists, we found it most appropriate to incorporate the “West” along with the “International” angle in support of our US partners. We emphasize the “Junior” to clearly ensure the level of hockey we play, is well identified and represented. After consultation, we collectively settled on the Western International Junior Hockey League (WIJHL).
Which teams will be part of this new league?
The WIJHL will be composed of eight teams: 100 Mile House Wranglers, Castlegar Rebels, Chase Heat, Creston Valley Thunder, Golden Rockets, Kelowna Chiefs, Sicamous Eagles and Spokane Braves.
Does the league plan on including the Summerland Jets?
We plan on having further conversation with them about the path we’ve taken, and that they will have the opportunity to decide if they would like to join us.
Do you anticipate league growth in the near future?
We anticipate teams will be interested in the decision we made and the independent hockey system. While we will be open to discussing opportunities for growth, we want to ensure we grow strategically and with intention. Ensuring strategic and sustainable partnerships will remain key in assessing growth.
What level or tier of play is the WIJHL?
We are simply the WIJHL, and we will continue to uphold our standards while strviing to increase them. Rather than being confined to a classification, we believe our league quality will speak for itself. We are confident the WIJHL on-ice product will get stronger with a deeper player pool and we’ll continue to maintain a strong position within the junior hockey development ladder.
Why did the WIJHL Founding Members make this decision to become independent?
We felt that it was in the best interest of our league to become independent because of the increased opportunities for development it will provide for our players. Our players will now be able to affiliate with higher-level independent leagues, which will greatly aid their development. By not being under Hockey Canada regulations, we also expect the quality of players and the level of play in general to increase as our player pool grows. This move also allows our teams to have more autonomy and puts all decision-making in our hands to ensure we are doing what’s best for our players and their families.
We also recognized that the KIJHL and BC Hockey tiering system was not a path we were interested in pursuing.
We have seen the success of other independent leagues, which only supported our move.
Why did the WIJHL Founding Members decide to make the switch now?
This has been discussed among our teams for a while now, but it became a priority with the upcoming KIJHL and BC Hockey tiering announcement, which is not a path we were interested in pursuing.
Who will be the Commissioner of the league and how will the league operate?
The founding members will operate as a Board and make decisions in the best interest of the league’s growth and long-term stability, for our athletes and communities. We will begin the process of hiring a Commissioner and league staff in the coming weeks.
Did the BCHL influence this decision?
No. Our teams decided, without influence, to leave the current system and become independent. We expect a strong relationship with the BCHL due to our synergies in areas such as league management, player and official development, administrative procedures, and programs.
Will the WIJHL Founding Members have a shortage of officials?
We do not anticipate having a shortage of officials. Many have already shown their desire to work for independent leagues and we expect much of the same. We anticipate no issues building an officiating staff large enough to work all league games next year.
Is this change a way for the league and teams to make more money?
No. Our model will continue to be the same, other than the fact that we’re offering an elevated experience and pathway for our players.
If players choose to play in the WIJHL, will they be banned from participating in Hockey Canada sanctioned play in the future?
Under the current Hockey Canada regulations, if a player participates in an independent league like the BCHL, VIJHL or JPHL after Sep. 30, they are not permitted to join a Hockey Canada sanctioned league during that same season. That said, there is a reinstatement process that has proven successful. In addition, the player would be eligible to return to Hockey Canada sanctioned play the following season.
With new roster rules, have the WIJHL’s Founding Members abandoned their commitment to BC born and raised players?
No. While we continue to finalize our roster rules and regulations, our commitment and model rely on developing local athletes in Western Canada. We will maintain roster minimums.
Will players who participate in a WIJHL Founding Member’s spring/summer camp face obstacles from Hockey Canada?
No. Only players who play in league games after Sep. 30 will face obstacles should they wish to return to a Hockey Canada sanctioned league during the same season.
Are the WIJHL Founding Members worried about losing players because of this announcement?
We are confident that our model and our dedication to improving the player experience will only increase the amount and the quality of players who choose to play in our league. Additional affiliation agreements are currently being developed to support the development of all players on our teams.
Where will the WIJHL Founding Members be getting their affiliate players from?
Affiliates may come from any independent minor, youth, and high school league across North America. Discussions about additional affiliation agreements have already begun.
What does this mean for the KIJHL?
The KIJHL is a strong league that has been around for many years. Their programs and product are sure to enjoy continued success. We wish them all the best as they navigate the path under BC Hockey, but we felt it was in our best to control the future of our own league, which will now happen within the WIJHL.