Oliver, a small city in the Southern Okanagan, has been selected to field an expansion franchise in the newly formed Western International Junior Hockey League (WIJHL) for the 2026‑27 season. The announcement, made public this week, marks the city’s entry into a league that blends former KIJHL stalwarts with emerging talent from across British Columbia and Washington state.
The franchise will be owned by JMRH Hockey Development ULC, a partnership headed by Rod Hume and John Murphy. The same ownership group also controls the BCHL’s West Kelowna Warriors, giving the new WIJHL entry a solid developmental foundation.
The Oliver & District Arena, which recently completed a $3.8‑million renovation, will serve as the team’s home ice. Upgrades include a state‑of‑the‑art refrigerated slab, modern dasher board systems and refreshed dressing rooms, all designed to meet the rigorous standards of junior‑level competition.
Local officials expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of hosting a higher‑profile junior hockey team. The municipality highlighted the arena’s improved facilities as a catalyst for community engagement and economic activity during the upcoming season.
Regional Reach of the New League
While the league’s core footprint remains anchored in British Columbia, franchises will also span into Washington, creating cross‑border rivalries that promise heightened excitement for fans on both sides of the border.
The WIJHL itself was officially founded on June 1 and is slated to begin its inaugural schedule this fall. Eight former KIJHL clubs helped shape the league, which will feature clubs such as the Kelowna Chiefs, the 100 Mile House Wranglers and the Spokane Braves, among others.
With the league’s first season approaching, player tryouts, coaching appointments and community outreach programs are already underway, setting the stage for a competitive debut that could redefine junior hockey in the region.