The WHL's Central Division was formed in 2001 as part of the Western Conference in a league realignment, the predecessor of which was the Central Division. As its name suggests, the division predominantly consists of the four Alberta teams. In 2004, A minor change saw the Kootenay Ice move to the Central Division to accommodate the expansion Chilliwack Bruins. Prior to the 2007-08 season which saw the expansion Edmonton Oil Kings join, the Swift Current Broncos moved to the East Division to accommodate the team. The aforementioned league realignment divided the WHL into two conferences of two divisions each: Eastern Conference: East Division; Central Division; Western Conference: B.C. Division; and the U.S. Division.