One lucky hockey fan will be singing “Vee-va Las Vegas” this Thanksgiving weekend in Penticton.
Before that, though, it’s time to a take trip down memory lane at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
The 2007-2008 Penticton Vees are set to reunite on Friday, Oct. 7, nearly 15 years after winning the Fred Page Cup and breaking the team’s two-decade championship drought.
Players and staff from the winning team will be in attendance prior to the Vees’ home game against the Merritt Centennials. A special pre-game ceremony will commence, honouring the squad’s run to the B.C. Hockey League finals in Fred Harbinson’s first year as Penticton’s head coach.
“It’s great to see players and staff from the 2008 Championship team come back,” said the team’s head coach, general manager and president. “Many of them I haven’t seen in 15 years. It was an amazing season, that team really helped restore the pride of the organization which was so vibrant in the 1960s, 70s and 80s.”
At the time, the 2008 Vees were the city’s first BCHL championship team in 22 years. Nine players and five staff members, including former captain Brett Hextall, are expected to be in attendance for the ceremony.
It’s not just a weekend of nostalgia, though. After all, it is Thanksgiving.
The team is set to announce the winner of its season-ticket contest during Friday night’s game, rewarding a lucky fan with airfare, two nights of accommodations and a pair of tickets to an Anaheim Ducks and Las Vegas Golden Knights showdown in Nevada during Super Bowl Weekend on Feb. 12. A total of five season-ticket members will also be rewarded in a separate contest on Saturday, Oct. 8.
Dubbed “Thanks-Giving” weekend at the SOEC, the team is set to battle the Centennials and Salmon Arm Silverbacks on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
Penticton has won 20 consecutive games, dating back to last year’s playoff run. In 2022-2023, they have collected four victories, including one against the Silverbacks last week.
Turkey and hockey. Name a better combo. Get your tickets now for our two home games on Thanksgiving weekend. 🦃🏒#Penticton | #BCHL
— Penticton Vees (@PentictonVees) October 5, 2022
🎟 https://t.co/rpY6hJ5nmQ pic.twitter.com/sl1CcIwUaQ
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