Expansion team Penticton Vees chase WHL and CHL history with 33 wins, a 14-game streak, and playoff spot in sight.
Penticton Vees Close In on WHL History
What if an expansion team didn’t just compete — but rewrote the record books?
That’s exactly what the Penticton Vees are doing in their first Western Hockey League season. And now, history is within reach.
The Vees, who joined the WHL ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, sit at 33-11-4-3. More importantly, they are just two wins away from tying the record for most victories by a WHL franchise in its first season. The 2003-04 Everett Silvertips set that mark with 35 wins.
However, Penticton isn’t stopping there.
If the Vees reach 37 wins, they will tie the Canadian Hockey League record for most wins by a first-year franchise — a milestone set by the 1982-83 Longueuil Chevaliers of the QMJHL.
A Dream Start for an Expansion Team
Expansion teams usually need time to grow. Instead, Penticton came out flying.
Head coach and general manager Fred Harbinson built a team that plays fast, smart, and fearless hockey. As a result, the Vees rattled off a stunning 14-game winning streak from Dec. 17 to Jan. 30.
Moreover, they have won 18 of their last 20 games. That kind of run doesn’t happen by luck.
With 17 games left in the regular season, the Vees control their own destiny.
Where They Stand in the WHL Race
Right now, Penticton sits second in the Western Conference. They trail the Everett Silvertips by 12 points. Meanwhile, they lead the B.C. Division by 11 points over the Prince George Cougars.
The top eight teams in each conference make the playoffs. Therefore, a postseason berth is well within reach.
Notably, Prince Albert remains the only WHL team to officially clinch a playoff spot as of Feb. 10. That means the race is still wide open.
Rookie Star Powers the Offence
Every great story needs a standout star. For Penticton, that player is Jacob Kvasnicka.
The New York Islanders draft pick has racked up 67 points in 49 games. Consequently, he ranks second in WHL rookie scoring. His speed, vision, and scoring touch have fueled the Vees’ explosive offence all season.
And he’s not done yet.
Big Games Ahead
The Vees return to action Feb. 13 when they visit the Vancouver Giants in Langley. Soon after, they will head east for a challenging prairie road trip from Feb. 20 to 28.
That stretch includes a showdown with the Eastern Conference-leading Prince Albert Raiders — a true test against one of the league’s best.
Every game now carries extra weight. Each win pushes Penticton closer to history.
A Season to Remember — and It’s Not Over
Everett and Longueuil both reached league finals in their debut seasons. Now, Penticton has a chance to join that elite company.
First, they chase records. Next, they chase a championship.
For a team that didn’t exist in the WHL one year ago, that’s already remarkable. Yet the Vees want more.
And if their season so far proves anything, it’s this: they’re just getting started.
