Hockey
Vernon minor hockey pledges cash for arena project
VERNON - A local sports organization has thrown financial support behind the construction of a new arena in Vernon. The Greater Vernon Minor Hockey Association board of directors has pledged a $25,000 contribution to the City of Vernon to be used toward the construction of a second ice sheet at Kal Tire Place if the Nov. 28...
Piece by piece, Vernon’s Civic Arena is literally falling apart: City
VERNON - Cracked walls, crumbling concrete and a heaving floor are among a long list of problems plaguing the Civic Arena in Vernon. Bit by bit, the 77-year-old arena is falling apart, says Vernon recreation services manager Doug Ross. “Just as you repair one thing, something else crops up,” Ross says. Cracks in the floor...
Rockets new head coach has a winning history
KELOWNA – After nearly a month-long search, the Kelowna Rockets have a new head coach. Brad Ralph, the former head coach of the Idaho Steelheads, has been signed to a three-year contract, Rockets president and general manager Bruce Hamilton announced Tuesday, Aug. 4. Ralph, 34, was a finalist for East Coast Hockey League Coach of...
Interior Savings Centre era over, arena gets new name
KAMLOOPS - After more than 10 years as the Interior Savings Centre the arena next to Riverside Park will now be known as The Sandman Centre. The Blazers, along with the City of Kamloops and the Sandman Hotel Group, announced a 10-year naming-rights partnership today, July 29. The arena will continue to host all Blazers...
Kelowna Rockets raise thousands to help kids with autism play hockey
KELOWNA – Players, coaches, scouts and fans of the Kelowna Rockets helped raise more than $15,000 to help children with autism enter hockey programs Friday morning. The sold out Rockets Alumni Foundation 15th Annual Golf Tournament teed off July 17 as they attempt to raise $100,000 over the next three years for the Canucks Autism...
Community celebration at Kal Beach in Vernon a hit
VERNON - It was a beach party to remember. Hundreds attended an event at Kal Beach Friday featuring activities, live music and plenty of community spirit, as well as a few National Hockey League players. The highlight for many was meeting past and present hockey idols. Jesse Vandenbrand, 7, could barely contain his excitement as...
NHL players to attend event at Vernon’s Kal Beach this summer
VERNON - Hockey fans have an exciting event to look forward to this summer in Vernon. The city announced today the National Hockey League Players’ Association will be participating in a community event and hospital fundraiser at Kalamalka Beach Friday, July 10. The family-friendly celebration will feature a significant donation of hockey equipment made by...
Heroes welcome for Kelowna Rockets
KELOWNA – Around 100 fans lined the VIP entrance to Prospera Place this afternoon to welcome home the second best team in Canadian Hockey League. The Kelowna Rockets charter bus rolled up to their home arena Monday, June 1 just before 2 p.m. to throngs of flag-waving, jersey-wearing fans of all ages. As they got...
Kelowna going to Memorial Cup semi-finals
KELOWNA - The Kelowna Rockets finished round robin play in Quebec with one win and two losses but were still able to secure a berth in the Canadian Hockey League Memorial Cup semi-final round thanks to owning a better average of goals-for and goals-against. The Rockets beat Rimouski Oceanic earlier this week but fell to...
Vernon’s Priest Valley Arena de-ices early due to electrical fire
VERNON - An electrical fire is responsible for early ice removal at Priest Valley Arena and disruptions at the Vernon Aquatic Centre over the weekend. A major breaker blew Sunday morning and caught fire, resulting in the evacuation of a minor hockey team from Kamloops. The fire was contained to the electrical panel, and firefighters...
The heart-breaking reason this nine-year-old boy quit hockey
"TO WIN AS A TEAM AND LOSE AS A TEAM IS A PRICELESS CONCEPT THAT SHOULD BE CHERISHED AND VALUED MORE THAN WINNING AT ALL COST" KELOWNA - A young hockey player made a heart-breaking decision to quit his hockey team with only two games left in the season and his father’s written reasons for...
Kelowna Rockets advance to WHL final
The Kelowna Rockets defeated the Portland Winterhawks 8-4 on Sunday afternoon in Portland, winning the WHL Western Conference Final in six games. The Rockets won three straight games in the series, erasing a 2-1 series deficit and advancing to the WHL Western Conference Final where they will take on the Brandon Wheat Kings. Madison Bowey...
Rockets lose to Victoria; can win at home
VICTORIA - The Victoria Royals defeated the Kelowna Rockets 5-4 in overtime on Wednesday night in Victoria, extending the team's 2nd round WHL playoff series to a fifth game. Greg Chase scored the game winning goal 5:30 into overtime to give the Royals the win, completing a comeback as the Rockets led 4-2 heading to...
Vees pick up another win in cup final
PENTICTON - The Penticton Vees are back at home with two wins in their back pocket after an 8-5 win Tuesday night over the Nanaimo Clippers in game three of the B.C. Hockey League Fred Page Cup Final. The Vees scored four times in the second period to build up a 5-2 lead and were...
BCHL PLAYOFFS: Vernon Vipers face Vees in Penticton
VERNON – The Vernon Vipers are looking to break the trend of losing at the South Okanagan Events Centre in the BCHL Interior Division final series against the Penticton Vees. The Snakes are in Penticton tonight, March 20, for Game 5 of the best-of-seven, with the series tied at two-games each. The final turned into...