WIJHL: Teams Break Away from KIJHL

0:00It's April 2nd. This is Vancouver News today, driven by AI. Eight teams from British Columbia's Interior and Spokane, Washington, are breaking away from the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League to launch. Their own circuit this fall. The Western Independent Junior Hockey League, or W-I-J-H-L, includes squads from 100-mile house, Castlegar, Chase, Creston, Golden, Colona, Zickomis, and Spokane. They're aiming to kick off games later this year, with a focus on player growth and more control. This moves Thames from the K-I-J-H-L's plan last spring, to split its 21 teams into two tiers, starting in the 2026-2027 season. The departing groups felt they'd land in the lower tier, sparking talks about what's best for players, fans, sponsors, and small communities keeping. Hockey alive. Creston Valley Thunder President Brandon Boulizouk, laid it out clear. They want programs that match the cost family's pay,

1:02without unclear drops in. Quality. Fans and locals are buzzing about sustaining the sport in these spots, while the K-I-J-H-L called it a disappointing split, but wished them well. The W-I-J-H-L sees big upsides in going independent, skipping oversight from Hockey Canada, and BC Hockey. That means full stay on rosters, easier ties to higher leagues, and ditching extra bureaucracy for smoother ups. With low set of costs from established teams, insurance and logistics are the main bumps ahead. The league goes official on June 1st, setting up fresh rivalries and chances for these squads to chart their own path in junior hockey.