The JWHL is pleased to welcome the Athol Murray College of Notre Dame (Wilcox, Saskatchewan) and the Okanagan Hockey Academy (Penticton, British Columbia) to the league for the 2012-2013 season.  

"After a two year moratorium on expansion, the league looked at several applicants and found Notre Dame and Okanagan to fit with the JWHL philopsophy of player development and preparation for collegiate hockey.  Notre Dames 100 year history in the game and OHA's future potential are noteworthy and we look forward to having them join the league." said JWHL co-founder Kush Sidhu.  

Janice Rumple, Head Coach of the Notre Dame Hounds said, "We feel fortunate to have been accepted into the JWHL.  We feel that it will help us continue our success of moving players into college hockey."

Andy Oaks, President of Okanagan Hockey Academy said, "Okanagan Hockey Academy is very excited and honoured to be accepted into the JWHL.  The league has proven to be one of the top leagues in North America for female athletes to comete in and get exposure to University and Collegiate programs.  The athletes and staf of OHA would like to thank the JWHL for considering our program and we look forward to being a positive member of the league." 

"All the organizations in the JWHL are dedicated to the growth and development of women's hockey," said JWHL co-founder Bill Driscoll. "We found these two teams to fit nicely with our mission and bring quality organizations to the league as we continue to develop the JWHL into one of the top leagues in women's hockey."

Notre Dame and OHA will join the JWHL West Division along with Balmoral Hall School (Winnipeg, MB), Edge School (Calgary, AB), Pacific Steelers (Vancouver, BC), and Warner School (Warner, AB).  The Minnesota Thoroughbreds will move to the East Division this Fall.