Chilliwack Bruins moving to Victoria, BC

The Tri-Cities Herald is reporting that the Chilliwack Bruins have been sold to  man investor in Victoria, BC and the team will be heading there for the 2011-2012 season.


According to the article Wednesday, the WHL announced the sale of the Chilliwack Bruins to Graham Lee, owner of RG Properties. Lee is the sole owner and will act as team governor.

Read more: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2011/04/21/1459319/victoria-back-in-whl-fray-after.html#ixzz1KYzhgoyK

According to a link followed from the WHL website to the new Victoria team:

WHL RETURNS TO VICTORIA FOR 2011-12 SEASON

VICTORIA, BC – It’s been almost 20 years, but the wait is over for hockey fans on Vancouver Island. The WHL will return to the City of Victoria next season, the Western Hockey League and RG Properties Ltd. announced today.

The WHL Board of Governors has approved the sale of the WHL franchise in Chilliwack and its relocation to Victoria effective starting with the 2011-12 season. Graham Lee, whose company RG Properties developed, built and operates the 7,000-seat Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria, has purchased the franchise and will move the WHL franchise to the B.C. capital for the start of next season.

“We are very excited to bring WHL hockey back to Victoria,” said Lee. “From the day we first got involved with this building over a decade ago, our goal has been to look at all opportunities that will bring excitement and entertainment to the city as well as providing economic benefits. Bringing a WHL team to Victoria exemplifies that commitment.”

“We are very pleased to be in a position to announce the WHL will be returning to the City of Victoria and Vancouver Island next season,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison.  “Although any relocation is a difficult process, we know the Victoria market will be a great addition to the WHL.”

“The WHL is a part of Canadian hockey culture. The league is all about community, and our focus with the team is all about being a strong partner in the community,” said Dave Dakers, President of RG Sports and Entertainment. “Vancouver Island’s top young players will now have the chance to play at the highest level right here at home in front of a hometown crowd.”

“It is exciting to have a WHL team back in the Capital City. It is an opportunity to be part of building the future of hockey,” said Mayor of Victoria, Dean Fortin. “Our new team will greatly add to the diverse and family-friendly entertainment that makes our city great.”