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By BCHL/Vernon Matters Staff
New format this year

Showtime for BCHL Showcase

Oct 2, 2019 | 10:21 AM

The 2019 BCHL Showcase Festival opens today with games running from 10 a.m. all the way to 10 p.m. for four straight days.

Longtime hosts Chilliwack will have all the games today and tomorrow at the Chilliwack Coliseum before the venue switches to the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton for Friday and Saturday with all 17 BCHL teams taking part in regular-season games throughout the week.

The Vernon Vipers play the 8-0 Penticton Vees Friday at 7 p.m. (6:45 pre-game show on Beach Radio), and then the West Kelowna Warriors Saturday at 4 p.m., with both those games in Penticton.

Previously mainly an event just for scouts from the NCAA and NHL to get an up-close look at BCHL talent, the league has introduced a new festival format along with the second location. This will include a Hockey House in Penticton where fans, parents and kids will be able to participate in fun and interactive activities.

The BCHL is also hosting a hockey panel which will feature former NHL players and current and past BCHL dads Mike Richter, Doug Weight and Dixon Ward.

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“What we want to do with this event is make it more than just hockey,” BCHL Executive Director Steven Cocker said. “We feel it’s incredibly important to engage our fans and showcase our communities.”

Click here to view the full Showcase Festival schedule.

by BCHL/Vernon Matters Staff
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