The Western Hockey League has approved an ownership group led by former NHL coach Jeremy Colliton for an expansion franchise to be based in Chilliwack, B.C., the league announced on Wednesday.
Former NHLers Brett Motherwell, and Mason Raymond as well as executives Patrick Lathrop and Mario Amantea are also part of the ownership group.
This is the second time Chilliwack has been a part of the WHL, previously hosting the Chilliwack Bruins from 2006 to 2011.
“We are excited to welcome the new Chilliwack ownership group to the Western Hockey League and excited about what this means for the future of hockey in the Fraser Valley,” WHL Commissioner Dan Near said in a statement. “Chilliwack is a passionate hockey community and we believe this ownership group brings the vision, commitment, and resources to build something special.”
Colliton will serve as the franchise’s governor and will also be the team’s first general manager and head coach.
The 41-year old was previously the head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks for four seasons, beginning in the 2018-19 campaign. He went 87-92-26 during his tenure before he was let go after 12 games in 2021-22 after only one playoff appearance.
He was a member of Hockey Canada’s coaching staff during the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in South Korea and took over as head coach briefly after Claude Julien suffered an injury.
Colliton helped Canada win their first game of the tournament before Julien was able to return. Canada would go on to finish sixth in the tournament.
The Blackie, Alta., native then became the head coach of the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks in 2022-23 where he served for two seasons. He went 80-50-14 before exiting.
“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,” Colliton said in a statement. “Our family is thrilled to be returning to the Fraser Valley. We are grateful for the partners we have at the City of Chilliwack, and in the regional business community. We look forward to building a franchise the hockey fans of Chilliwack will be proud of.”
This is the first time the WHL has expanded since the Penticton Vees joined the WHL for the 2025-26 campaign. The Vees were successful in their first season, winning the B.C. Division with a 44-14-10 record and made it all the way to the Western Conference Final before being swept by the eventual champion Everett Silvertips.
Penticton has a 7-8-1 record this season entering Wednesday’s action.