Flanked by signs declaring "Chilliwack Chiefs are back!" the owners of the returning British Columbia Hockey League team pledged their commitment to the league and the city of Chilliwack in a nostalgic press conference Wednesday.

"There are wonderful memories of what we had," said part-owner Moray Keith. "We'll create a lot of new and important memories. We want the Chiefs to be integrated in every aspect of the Chilliwack community: minor hockey, education, charity, including the Chilliwack hospital, and other community events."

His partner, Jim Bond, echoed the sentiments.

"To see the Chiefs in the stands, the letters back in the stands, is fabulous. It looks right to me," said Bond. "Moray and I have made a long-term commitment to the BCHL and all the governors of the BCHL and we're doing the same for the City of Chilliwack, hockey fans in Chilliwack and also the business people."

The franchise announced that every Chiefs game will be broadcast on 89.5 The Hawk and that Randy Merkley, who did play-by-play for Chilliwack Bruins games, will return behind the microphone.

Season ticket prices and packages were not announced, but Keith said both they and announcements regarding logos and jerseys will be forthcoming in the coming month.

Keith also told the Times that the Chiefs owners are assembling together a group of locals that will function similarly to a board of directors and work closely with the community on the owner's behalf.

"Those people will be asked to take the reins of the club and run the club so that it's community oriented," Keith said. "We want to make sure we're connected in the community."

tolsen@chilliwacktimes.com