Fifteen years after the Western Hockey League (WHL) left Chilliwack, the city is set to rejoin with a new team, backed by NHL veterans and business leaders.
Starting in the 2027-28 season, the team will play home games at Chilliwack Coliseum. The arena is already WHL-ready and has been approved for "substantial upgrades" ahead of the team's first season.
It will be the first time Chilliwack has had a WHL team since 2011, when the Chilliwack Bruins relocated to become the Victoria Royals after five years in the Fraser Valley.
The team doesn't have a name or any players yet, but it does have its head coach: Jeremy Colliton.
Colliton's resume includes a stint leading the Abbotsford Canucks before three years as the head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks. His most recent role was as the New Jersey Devils' assistant coach, a position he stepped down from in June.
In his playing days, he was a two-time WHL All Star. Now, he's set to lead the new team as governor, general manager and head coach.
“I’m honoured to be back in the Western Hockey League, which played such an important role in my development as a player and person,” said Colliton “Our family is thrilled to be returning to the Fraser Valley."
Colliton will own the club alongside a group of other notable hockey industry veterans Brett Motherwell, Mason Raymond, Mario Amantea and Patrick Lathrop.
Raymond spent 2007 through 2013 as a left winger for the Vancouver Canucks, where he became a fan favourite for his remarkable speed on the ice, before playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames and Anaheim Ducks. He is now the president of Cochrane GM in his home province of Alberta.
Like Raymond, Motherwell, Amantea and Lathrop have been focused on their business careers since ending their playing and coaching careers.
In addition to his role as an owner, Amantea will serve as president of business operations for the WHL Chilliwack franchise.
Motherwell said that changes to the hockey landscape have created an opportunity for a Chilliwack team that wasn't possible a few years ago.
"The future for major junior hockey has never been brighter," Motherwell said. "We can’t wait to make an impact in the community.”
Dan Near, WHL commissioner, said he hopes to see the Chilliwack community rallying around the new team and that the organization delivers "an exceptional experience for players, fans and partners."
“Chilliwack is a passionate hockey community and we believe this ownership group brings the vision, commitment and resources to build something special," said Near.
