Chilliwack mayor Ken Popove has apologized for disrespecting the Western Hockey League due to his absence at Tuesday's (March 25) press conference announcing the league's local arrival and acknowledged that comments he made on the radio related to that news may have been misinterpreted.
Popove appeared on his weekly "Ask the Mayor" segment on 89.5 JRFM on Thursday (March 27) morning and stated that he chose not to attend Tuesday's (March 25) press conference and he didn't feel right appearing on-camera and supporting a move he doesn't believe in.
"There was a decision made at the table that we want to go a different route [away from the BCHL] and I don't think it was the right move so that's why I wasn't there," he said at the time.
.@City_Chilliwack mayor Ken Popove has released a statement saying that he didn't attend the presser due to "personal reasons".
鈥� Ben Lypka (@BenLypka) March 28, 2025
He said earlier this morning on @895jrcountry that he wasn't there because of loyalty to @Chiefs_Hockey and because he didn't like the decision https://t.co/D1ueJvkTL1 pic.twitter.com/oOBob3LVRS
Following a story posted by the Chilliwack Progress reporting these details on Thursday, Popove released a statement with the apology and wanted to clarify that the comments he made were a personal opinion and not those of council as a whole.
"Council is remarkable in that we can respectfully disagree with one another while remaining committed to the democratic process," the statement reads. "We are dedicated to serving the best interests of Chilliwack and moving forward together once a decision has been made."
Popove also said he did not attend Tuesday's event due to personal reasons. During the radio interview he said that his speech was prepared prior to Tuesday, but after reviewing his notes he decided that attending the event didn't feel right.
BREAKING: Two days after a press conference announcing @TheWHL's arrival, @City_Chilliwack mayor Ken Popove appeared on the @895jrcountry morning show and stated he doesn't think the team's arrival is the right move.
鈥� Ben Lypka (@BenLypka) March 27, 2025
He also chose not to attend the presser.
Audio below: pic.twitter.com/ttOGxuKvb3
"I just can't do that, I'm loyal to the team," he said on the radio. "I'm loyal to what the Chiefs have done and it's not all about the money."
Popove was present in the online Zoom meeting with journalists and other invited guests, but chose not to contribute to the discussion.
He said that now he believes that council made the right decision for Chilliwack.
"Council considered several factors before moving forward with the WHL. We examined the high level of play that will provide enhanced entertainment for the fans, opportunities for youth in our community, financial benefits for taxpayers, and more," he stated. "The expansion to Chilliwack will benefit our minor and junior players in town. With the WHL, we will be able to offer residents increased ice time and dry floor activities at the Coliseum.
"Ultimately, Council made a decision that serves the best interest of our community. We are excited that the WHL has selected Chilliwack for expansion and look forward to taking the next steps together in order to welcome a new team to our incredible community."
