The Wenatchee Wild will join the BCHL, starting with the 2015-16 season.

Wenatchee is situated in north-central Washington State. It is the largest city and county seat of Chelan County. In the 2010, the population within the city limits was 31,925.

The Wild will become the 17th franchise in Canada’s premier Junior A league. They are also the first American franchise to join the BCHL since the Bellingham Ice Hawks, who operated from 1990 to 1995.

Wenatchee has been a member of the North American Hockley League (NAHL) since the 2008-9 season. The Wild have had a winning record in each of their seven seasons of existence. This past year, they graduated six players from their roster to NCAA Division 1 programs.

The Wild play out of the Wenatchee Town Toyoto Centre, a first-class facility that has a seating capacity of over 5,000.

“The BCHL is gaining a strong franchise in the Wenatchee Wild, and we value the professionalism they bring to our league,” BCHL league commissioner John Grisdale said in a press release.

“The Wild will quickly develop rivalries with our existing franchises, and I believe they will be a big draw in opposing buildings.”

As a U.S.-based club, the Wild will be allowed a maximum of four Canadian players on their roster.

“We could not be more excited or humbled to be joining the BCHL,” Wild head coach and GM Bliss Littler said. “Knowing the history and the reputation of the league, we look forward to being a good league member both on and off the ice.”