Minor Hockey Talks - Hockey Forum

Penticton Vees Jumping to the WHL: Smart Move or Too Big of a Pond?

So, the Penticton Vees are officially making the leap to the WHL. Big news for the BCHL and Penticton! This raises some interesting questions. Is this a sign of things to come for other successful BCHL franchises? Will the talent pool in the BCHL be significantly diluted? What kind of impact will this have on junior hockey in BC as a whole?

I’m curious to hear from those in the BCHL community. Will this move ultimately benefit the Vees? While they have a history of success, the WHL is a different beast. Can they maintain their competitive edge? Or will they become just another team struggling to keep up?

And what about the fans? Ticket prices are going up, albeit with some concessions for younger fans. Will the Penticton faithful embrace the WHL, or will the higher cost of attendance drive some away? What do you think is a reasonable price point for WHL games in a smaller market?

The Vees ownership is confident they can make it work, but they acknowledge it's a David vs. Goliath scenario. I’m making a bold prediction: The Vees will struggle in their first few seasons. The jump in competition is significant, and it will take time to build a consistently competitive roster. What are your predictions for the Vees inaugural WHL season?

Finally, with the Vees moving their BCHL team, what are some potential landing spots? And how will this relocation affect the competitive landscape of the BCHL? This is a big shakeup for junior hockey in BC, and I'm eager to hear everyone's thoughts.