The Penticton Vees have just finished a phenominal regular season, setting a new national junior hockey record for the team with the most consecutive wins - 42 - prior to their defeat by the Prince George Spruce Kings in the final game of the season last weekend.
Up to that point, the Vees had not suffered a loss since November 11 last year, winning 22 games on the road as well.
It’s probably a fair statement to say that Penticton will not see a team like this one for many years to come.
While the team’s performance has resulted in a banner year for attendance at the South Okanagan Events Centre, attendance still fell well below the capacity mark for most of the team’s home games.
It makes one wonder what, if anything, it will take to fill the building - or even come close to it - on a regular basis.
It’s unfortunate that many sports enthusiasts in this area are so willing to pay grossly inflated prices to watch NHL teams often play with less intensity and success than the Vees, only to miss the opportunity to support (at much more reasonable cost) what has been an excellent effort from a much deserving local team .
As the playoffs get underway, here’s hoping the rink fills up.
Go Vees go.