Canucks prospects hit the ice

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Thursday practice at the SOEC

Members of the public were treated to some top notch hockey in Penticton on Thursday.

The Canucks Prospects Training Camp began in the afternoon with a practice on the main rink at the South Okanagan Events Centre. It's all part of non-stop hockey action over the weekend at the Young Stars Classic Tournament.

"There is certainly a level of excitement in the community to have the four Canadian NHL teams here, and not just the top prospects, but hockey heroes of the past who are now coaches, scouts and management," said tournament director Andrew Jakubeit.

It was Jakubeit who pitched the tournament vision to the Vancouver Canucks five years ago and to see it become an annual event in the city is very fulfilling, he said.

Not only is the hockey intense, fast and great, it is also a great way to showcase the community, he explained.

"There are more than 80 credentialed media here spreading the word about Penticton and the young stars," he said.

All on ice practice sessions/pre-game skates will be open to the public. Admission to the practices at the South Okanagan Events Centre is complimentary.

For more information regarding tickets and the schedule for the Young Stars Classic Tournament go to canucks.com/youngstars.