Author: Tams

Pink in the Rink Royals Game Night on February 14 in Support of Cancer Research

A record-setting estimated $35,000 will be raised at the themed game night at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre through the Victoria Royals Foundation and their partners.

The Victoria Royals and Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre are proud to present “Pink in the Rink” on Friday, February 14, 2025, in partnership with Mayfair Optometric, the game-night sponsor. The Royals will take on their WHL rivals, the Vancouver Giants, on a night dedicated to raising awareness and funds for cancer research and care. This annual initiative will see the Royals, their partners, and the community come together in a powerful display of support for those affected by cancer.

With under two months until the WHL playoffs kick off, the Royals are first in the BC division and second in the conference, making this game exciting and meaningful on and off the ice. Fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere as the team fights for crucial points to clinch their playoff spot while championing a cause that touches many lives.

The Victoria Royals Foundation have pledged to donate over $4,800 to the Canadian Cancer Society, Vancouver Island Lodge, in addition to proceeds from a special jersey auction directed to the Lodge. Additionally, the Fancy and David Foundation will contribute $5 per ticket sold to the BC Cancer Foundation to support the CAR-T immunotherapy research project at the Deeley Research Centre in Victoria. West Coast Cranes has also pledged $5,000 to the Vancouver Island Lodge, matching the Royals Foundation donation.

“Cancer is something that has touched us all, and it will take all of us to help defeat it,” said David Wong of the Fancy and David Foundation. “We’re proud to support the cause by donating $5 to the BC Cancer Foundation for every ticket sold to Pink in the Rink. It’s a simple way for the community to make a real impact just by showing up. Let’s pack the rink pink, cheer on the Royals to defeat the Vancouver Giants, and fight cancer the same night!”

As part of the initiative, Royals players will visit the Vancouver Island Lodge on Tuesday, February 11, to meet with residents and show their support ahead of the game.

In addition to the on-ice action, fans attending the game can participate in several special activations around the arena. These include a dedication wall where they can honour loved ones affected by cancer, exclusive Pink in the Rink merchandise, and a 50/50 raffle, with proceeds donated to the Vancouver Island Lodge. The night will also feature special in-game tributes, a ceremonial puck drop, and redesigned pink rink boards.

“This event is more than just a hockey game, it’s a night of community-led action and reflection,” said Joey Poljanowski, Vice President of Hockey Operations at the Victoria Royals. “We want to challenge our fans to pack the rink pink, wear the colour, celebrate those affected by cancer, and help us make an even bigger impact through attendance and donations.”

The combination of these donations will set a new record for charitable contributions in the Victoria Royals’ history, and the community is encouraged to help increase the final amount. With every ticket purchased, fans directly contribute to Victoria’s cancer research and support services.

WE’RE PARTNERING WITH K96.3 AND STINGRAY FOR THE ULTIMATE ROCK WEEKEND!

GSL Group officially announces the festival dates as July 11-13, 2025, with help from its official media partner, Stingray Media. Rock The Lake is back for another electrifying weekend of rock, and this year, the festival is teaming up with Stingray Media and K96.3 Kelowna’s Classic Rock as the official media partner. Taking place July […]

Rock The Lake Music Festival Partners with Stingray and K96.3

GSL Group officially announces the festival dates as July 11-13, 2025, with help from its official media partner, Stingray Media. Rock The Lake is back for another electrifying weekend of rock, and this year, the festival is teaming up with Stingray Media and K96.3 Kelowna’s Classic Rock as the official media partner. Taking place July […]

Kelowna Hockey Fest Initiatives Raises Thousands for Families in Need

Kelowna Hockey Fest initiatives have proudly raised over $20,000 to support low-income children and at-risk youth in the community. These funds will help provide access to essential services through the YMCA of Southern Interior BC.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of Kelowna Hockey Fest and its supporters,” said Tammie Watson, Vice President of Marketing & Philanthropy of the YMCA of Southern Interior BC. “The funds raised will make a profound impact on the lives of hundreds of local children and families, providing them with the essential resources and supports they need to thrive.”

Hosted by Kelowna High Performance (KHP) and GSL Group, the one-day festival on August 23, 2024, brought hockey lovers together at Prospera Place. The event featured a high-energy Pro Game with NHL stars, Kelowna Rockets alumni, and all-star coaches, including Jessica Campbell, Shea Weber, Josh Gorges, Brent Seabrook, and Duncan Keith. The event was supported by Kelowna Rockets, Pushor Mitchell Lawyers, and Stingray Radio.

Outside of the arena, families enjoyed an action-packed kids’ zone, vendors, entertainment and hockey-themed competitions. Fundraising activities included a 50/50 raffle and a Coaches’ Signed Jersey Auction featuring game-worn jerseys from the event’s notable coaches.

“Kelowna Hockey Fest is about more than just hockey—it’s about celebrating our community, creating connections, and making a meaningful impact,” said organizers KHP and GSL Group. “We’re incredibly proud to have helped the YMCA raise over $20,000 this year, knowing these funds will help strengthen families and individuals across our city. Thank you to everyone who participated, cheered, and supported; together, we’ve proven how powerful our shared love for hockey can truly be.”

Funds raised at Kelowna Hockey Fest will support a wide range of YMCA programs designed to meet urgent needs. This includes free and/or subsidized memberships to the YMCA for children and youth, along with providing families with free access to essential programs including mental health support, family support services, drop-out prevention programs and more.

These programs include YMCA’s Beyond the Bell which offers academic tools to at-risk children, the Young Parent Program which supports parents under 20, YMCA Okanagan Swims –offering free swimming lessons to all grade 3 students in SD#23, and employment training for vulnerable youth.

“Our partnership with Kelowna Hockey Fest is testament to the power of community and collaboration,” says Watson, “and is about creating opportunities, fostering hope, and opening the doors to sports, healthy living, and family supports, for all.”

By partnering in programs like these, Kelowna Hockey Fest is proud to support the YMCA in removing financial barriers and empowering youth to succeed, regardless of their circumstances. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the supporters and donors who made this event possible, helping the YMCA continue its vital work while uniting the community through a shared love of hockey.

Kelowna selected to host the 2026 Memorial Cup

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is pleased to announce that the city of Kelowna, British Columbia, has been chosen to host the 106th edition of the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026. The Kelowna Rockets were one of five Western Hockey League (WHL) franchises to submit a formal written bid back in September, which represented the largest number of CHL clubs vying to host a Memorial Cup since 2009.

“We are excited to be heading to Kelowna for the 2026 Memorial Cup,” said Dan MacKenzie, President of the CHL. “With the largest number of CHL teams seeking to host a Memorial Cup in more than 15 years, the selection process for the 2026 tournament was incredibly competitive given the strong bids put forth by all five bidding clubs, including the Brandon Wheat Kings, Lethbridge Hurricanes, Medicine Hat Tigers, and Spokane Chiefs. I’d like to express my gratitude to these four finalists for all the work they put into creating outstanding bids. We look forward to working alongside the Kelowna Rockets and the City of Kelowna to make the 106th edition of the Memorial Cup a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both fans and players alike.”

The selection of Kelowna was rendered following formal bid presentations made by the five bidding WHL clubs – the Brandon Wheat Kings, Kelowna Rockets, Lethbridge Hurricanes, Medicine Hat Tigers, and Spokane Chiefs – to the CHL’s selection committee. The committee was comprised of sports leaders from across the industry including Graeme Roustan (Chairman and Owner of the Hockey News), Colin Campbell (NHL Sr. Executive Vice-President of Hockey Operation), Aaron Fox (Chair of Defence Team for McDougall Gauley), Kalli Quinn (Event Specialist at KAQ Event Consulting), and Paul Graham (Executive Producer & VP at TSN). Each bid was evaluated based on four categories: business operations, local atmosphere/community engagement, event logistics, and hockey operations.

“Congratulations to the Kelowna Rockets and the City of Kelowna, led by Bruce Hamilton, Mayor Tom Dyas, David Rush, and Steve Thomson, on successfully bringing the 2026 Memorial Cup to Kelowna,” commented WHL Commissioner Dan Near. “As the selection committee reviewed all the submissions, it became abundantly clear that Kelowna has built an event that could go down as the greatest Memorial Cup in history. The Western Hockey League is thrilled to welcome hockey fans from all corners of the CHL to Kelowna – a gem in the heart of B.C.’s Okanagan – for what will undoubtedly be an exceptional event, complete with world-class hockey, entertaining festivities, and so much more.”

The 2026 Memorial Cup will represent just the second time that Kelowna has ever played host to this prestigious tournament. The Rockets previously hosted the Memorial Cup back in 2004, which marked the first and only time Kelowna has won the CHL’s championship event. Led by 2024 Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee Shea Weber and 13-year NHL veteran Josh Gorges, the Kelowna Rockets edged the Gatineau Olympiques in the 2004 Memorial Cup final to capture the Memorial Cup trophy on home ice in front of a sold-out crowd at Prospera Place.

This past spring, the City of Kelowna committed to making several upgrades to Prospera Place, including the installation of a brand-new scoreboard, improved lighting and sound systems, a dedicated press box, and more to help bolster the experience of fans and visitors traveling to the home arena of the Kelowna Rockets.

“On behalf of the entire Kelowna Rockets organization, I’m more than thrilled for the co-chairs Dave Rush and Steve Thompson, as well as Gavin Hamilton, Jillian Haller, and of course, the City of Kelowna,” added Bruce Hamilton, Governor, President, and General Manager of the Kelowna Rockets. “This wouldn’t have been possible without Mayor Tom Dyas and the City Council stepping up to make sure the building is brought up to CHL standard for the bid. We wouldn’t be in this position if not for the City’s commitment and support. The bid committee has done a phenomenal job and we’re so happy for our community. The 2026 Memorial Cup is for the City of Kelowna and the surrounding area. We get the chance to bring this event back to the Okanagan and while it has been a long grind to get it, we’re excited for the city as well as our season ticket holders. It’s an opportunity for something special.”

Over the years, the Kelowna Rockets have proven themselves to be a force in the WHL. The Rockets have won the Ed Chynoweth Cup as league champions of the WHL four times (2003, 2005, 2009, 2015), and they have played in the Memorial Cup tournament on five separate occasions (2003, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2015). The Rockets’ five appearances at the Memorial Cup since 2003 are the second-most of any CHL franchise over that stretch, trailing only the six trips made by the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) during that period.

Throughout the Kelowna Rockets’s 33-year history, there have been a total of 76 players from the club drafted to the National Hockey League (NHL), including current NHLers Tyler Myers, Luke Schenn, and Tyson Barrie, in addition to 2024 Utah Hockey Club first-round pick Tij Iginla, who currently co-leads the Rockets with 13 goals during the 2024-25 campaign.

In 2026, the Memorial Cup will be awarded for the 106th time in its history. The Kelowna Rockets will be one of four clubs to play in the 2026 Memorial Cup alongside the playoff champion from each of the OHL, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), and Western Hockey League (WHL).

Next year’s 2025 Memorial Cup will take place in Rimouski, Québec from May 22 to June 1, 2025. The 105th edition of the Memorial Cup will mark the return of the CHL’s championship event to the province of Québec for what will be the first time in 10 years.

The most recent Memorial Cup took place last spring in Saginaw, as the host Spirit defeated the London Knights 4-3 in the final to secure Saginaw’s first-ever CHL championship title in franchise history. By accomplishing the latter, the Spirit became the first CHL club from Michigan to ever win the Memorial Cup and just the third U.S. franchise to accomplish the feat.

Since being awarded for the first time 105 years ago, the Memorial Cup has developed a rich tradition that has shaped the way junior hockey is played in North America — becoming one of the most coveted trophies in the sport. Originally known as the OHA Memorial Cup and donated by the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) in March 1919, this trophy was created in remembrance of the many soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice for Canada in the First World War. It was later rededicated in 2010 to the memory of all fallen Canadian Military Personnel.

ROCK THE LAKE MUSIC FESTIVAL TO RETURN TO DOWNTOWN KELOWNA IN JULY 2025

GSL Group announces early bird ticket sales available now for the next edition of Kelowna’s premier rock music festival following record-breaking attendance at RTL 2024. GSL Group has confirmed the return of the Rock The Lake music festival afterthe 2024 edition broke attendance records. The festival, held July 12-14, 2024, at Prospera Place, featuredmassive Canadian […]

EDMONTON’S SCENIC ROUTE TO ALASKA JOIN RTL 2024 SATURDAY LINEUP

We’re excited to have more Canadian talent joining the Rock The Lake 2024 with the addition of Edmonton indie-rock trio, Scenic Route to Alaska. Scroll down to find out more about the band, and a hint towards something big dropping tomorrow, Friday, May 31, at 10 AM. About Scenic Route to Alaska: Born and raised […]

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