North Okanagan RCMP member contributes to success of Winter Classic hockey tournament at Apex

PENTICTON – A hockey tournament based out of Penticton’s Apex Resort was recently held successfully for a fourth year, in part thanks to the efforts of a North Okanagan police officer.

RCMP Media Relations Officer Cst. Kelly Brett said in a press release issued Jan. 10, Vernon North Okanagan RCMP Cpl. Yannick Lescarbeau donated considerable personal time over the holiday season to help raise funds for the B.C. Children’s Hospital by organizing an outdoor hockey tournament at Penticton’s Apex Mountain Resort.

The latest event, which took place this past weekend, is the annual Winter Classic Hockey Jamboree, which includes teams of ages nine to 10, from Penticton, Spokane, Burnaby, Richmond, Vancouver and host team Kelowna.

"This year, the Penticton Jr. Vees came out as the tournament Champions but in the end, all the participants and organizers were the true winners, raising $26,462.75 for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation," says Cpl. Lescarbeau.

"The tournament gains momentum each year raising a total of over $77,000 in the four years since its inception and is a way for us to give back to the community," he adds.

The tournament succeeds because of the commitment of its 120 players, their families and the corporate sponsors who donate to this cause.

"Many officers donate their time in giving back to their communities, whether it be in the form of coaching or volunteering for different groups or organizations. A lot of hard work and commitment goes into organizing an event such as the Winter Classic, which benefits children from all over B.C., says Brett.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.