A Brief History Of The WHL In BC

By Vince Kreiser Program Coordinator/Instructor-Retired Recreation Leadership Diploma Program Phone: (250) 544-6288 8733 Forest Park Drive, North Saanich, BC V8L 5B4 Email: [email protected]

The (WHL) is all set for another season of exciting major junior hockey action. This league has a rich history of play throughout BC. I thought it would be interesting to put together a list of the various WHL home arenas in BC and the respective teams that have played in them over the years.

Prospera

- Bruins (2006-2011)

Kamloops Memorial Arena

- Chiefs (1973-77) - (1992-Present) - Kamloops Junior Oilers (1981-84) - Kamloops Blazers (1984-92)

1 Memorial Arena

- Kelowna Wings (1982-85) - (l999-Present) - Kelowna Rockets (1995-99)

Cranbrook Memorial Arena Western Financial Place

- (1998-2000) - Kootenay Ice (2000-Present)

Frank Crane Arena

- Islanders (1982-83)

2 Queen’s Park Arena

- Bruins (1971-81) - (1983-88)

Rolling Mix Concrete Arena CN Centre

- (1994-95) - Prince George Cougars (1995-Present)

Kerrisdale Arena

- Nats (1971-72) - Vancouver Nats (1972-73) - (2001-2016)

3

- Vancouver Giants (2016-Present)

Victoria Memorial Arena Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre

- Victoria Cougars (1971-94) - (2011-Present)

###

WHL Teams-Gone But Not Forgotten

The following is a list of WHL teams that are gone but not forgotten:

Billings Bighorns, Buffaloes, Calgary Centennials, , , Ice, , , Great Falls Americans, , Kamloops Junior Oilers, Kelowna Wings, Broncos, Canucks, Nanaimo Islanders, New Westminster Bruins, Breakers, , , Vancouver Nats, Victoria Cougars, Weyburn Wings, Clubs, , Winnipeg Monarchs, .

References: Western Hockey League 04-05 Guide Western Hockey League 06-07 Guide Western Hockey League 16-17 Guide

Note: The author welcomes any corrections to the facts listed by email: [email protected]

4