One of junior hockey’s marquee events is returning to Penticton.
For the second time in as many years, the B.C. Hockey League All-Star Weekend is coming to the city’s downtown outdoor rink and South Okanagan Events Centre (SOEC).
The event will be held from Jan. 19 to 20, and feature an alumni game, skills competition, prospects showcase and 3-on-3 tournament, the league announced Nov. 29.
“After the success of last year’s All-Star Weekend where we celebrated our 60th Anniversary, we are thrilled to announce this marquee event is coming back to the Okanagan,” said Steven Cocker, the league’s commissioner.
The SOEC will host the BCHL Top Prospects Game on Friday, Jan. 19, before the city’s outdoor rink welcomes the skills competition, alumni game and 3-on-3 all-star game on Jan. 20.
Four-time Stanley Cup champion Scott Niedermayer and former Vancouver Canucks forward Brendan Morrison were among those to suit up in the BCHL Alumni Game in 2023.
The league on Wednesday said further details regarding this year’s festivities will be announced in the coming weeks.
“With the great success of last year’s 60th-anniversary all-star event here in Penticton, we are very excited to welcome the BCHL All-Star Weekend back to our community,” said Penticton mayor Julius Bloomfield.
“The caliber of players is exceptional and the commitment to fan involvement is outstanding. From the Top Prospects Game to the skills challenge on the outdoor rink, the weekend is designed to create special memories for all involved and we’re pleased to be part of it.”