National sport school hockey championships stay in Penticton for next three years

A popular annual sports championship will remain in Penticton for at least three more years.

The Canadian Sport School Hockey League and Spectra Venue Management announced today, March 9, the Canadian Sport School Hockey League Championships will remain in Penticton until at least 2023.

The CSSHL voted to remain in Penticton following a bidding process between several cities, according to a media release. The winning bid was a partnership between the Okanagan Hockey Group and Spectra Venue Management, operators of the South Okanagan Events Centre.

The annual championship has made Penticton its home since 2015, bringing an economic impact of more than $12 million to the City of Penticton in March, the release stated.

The event, which takes place March 5 to 15 this year, brings 1,300 student athletes and 250 staff members on 73 teams, along with 3,073 spectators to the city in the March shoulder season.

“With OHG and Spectra operating the 2021, 2022 and 2023 CSSHL championships, we believe it will push the experience for our 1,500 student athletes to the next level,” CSSHL Chief Operating Officer Kevin Goodwin said in the release. “We hope to continue to grow the event, support businesses during the shoulder season and are looking forward to another three years in the City."

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