The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League expansion team in Summerland will begin play next season as the Jets.
The Summerland Junior Hockey Society said its members chose the Jets name from several fan-submitted options, aligning the team with the Summerland Minor Hockey Association. The society said community feedback strongly supported the choice.
“As a community-based team, we felt that it was very important to follow what our community wants,” said Summerland Junior Hockey Society chairperson Terry Rolston. “Summerland Minor Hockey teams have been known as the Jets since the early 1980s so it is our honour to follow in their footsteps and continue the Summerland Jets legacy!”
“I’m thrilled to officially welcome the Summerland Jets to the KIJHL for the 2026-27 hockey season,” said KIJHL commissioner Jeff Dubois. “It’s tremendous to see the connections that are already being established between the organization and community, and adopting the Jets branding is just another example of that.”
With the name and logo set, the Jets will now focus on building a coaching staff and roster. The organization will next hire a head coach and general manager, who will prepare for the team’s inaugural spring camp from May 1 to 3 at Summerland Arena.
More updates are expected in the coming weeks.
