Spokane Braves join Western International Junior Hockey League for 2026-27 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 2:02 AM
Last updated Sep 17, 2026
HockeyThe Spokane Braves will transition to the Western International Junior Hockey League for the upcoming 2026-27 season, ending a 55-year affiliation with the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League. The Braves are one of ten founding members of the new league, which consists of eight former KIJHL teams and two additional franchises. The team's president, Bob Tobiason, suggested that this move aims to provide a better development path for players. Spokane will debut on September 18 at home against the 100 Mile House Wranglers to kick off a 44-game season. Head coach Jason Greenwell emphasized that the transition will not change their approach to player development, stating, 'It's the same game. It's the same puck.'
- •The Braves will begin play in the WIJHL on September 18 against 100 Mile House.
- •The new league aims to enhance player development opportunities.
- •Spokane is the only American franchise in the WIJHL.
- •14 players are returning from last season's roster.
- •The WIJHL consists of ten teams, with eight from the KIJHL.
- 2:02 AMYahoo Sports — Spokane Braves make move to new Western International Junior Hockey League: 'It's the same puck'
"Sep. 16—For 55 years, the Spokane Braves had a home in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League. That changes this fall. The Braves will begin the 2026-27 season as one of 10 founding members of the Western International Junior Hockey League, a new independent league formed by eight former KIJHL teams and two other franchises. For the Braves, the move is less about leaving something ...
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