PENTICTON, B.C. – It’s a special weekend coming up when The Penticton Vees take on the Prince George Spruce Kings and Victoria Grizzlies in a pair of home games at the South Okanagan Events Centre (SOEC).
This weekend the Vees are hosting Parents Weekend and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1973 BCJHL champion Penticton Broncos.
“Penticton has had several great teams in its 60 plus year history, and the 1973 Broncos are right up there. That team had several players that went on to have distinguished hockey careers, including three that played in the NHL,” began Vees’ President, General Manger & Head Coach Fred Harbinson. “It’s great to see so many from that team coming with their families this weekend. It’s also good for our players to see the legacy past generations have left.”
Friday, the Vees (13-1-2-1) host the Spruce Kings as they recognize parents and billets. Vees player’s parents are traveling to Penticton from near and far and will be celebrated with special functions throughout the weekend. Friday’s game sponsor is Save on Foods.
Saturday, the Vees take on the Grizzlies at the SOEC, as it’s “Broncos Night,” sponsored by Tim Hortons. Several alumni from the 1973 Penticton Broncos descend on the Peach City for a 50th anniversary celebration. The Vees will have a special pre-game ceremony prior to puck drop against the Grizzlies. Penticton will also be wearing Broncos’ jerseys that pay homage to the 1973 champions. The jerseys feature the timeless Broncos blue with black and white striping.
The Broncos won the 1973 BCHL championship, beating the Chilliwack Bruins in seven games. The Broncos went on to beat the Calgary Canucks in five games to capture the team’s first Pacific Centennial Cup Championship, which was later known as the Doyle Cup from 1985 onwards. The Broncos went on to battle the Portage Terriers in a memorable Western Canada championship series, ultimately falling in seven games. The Terriers went on to win the national championship over Pembroke. Penticton’s 1973 playoff run spanned four provinces as they played 32 playoff games in just 34 days.
The 1973 Broncos roster featured six players that went on to play in the NCAA and seven that played professional hockey, including three in the NHL. Notable alumni include:
- Bob Nicholson (Captain): Edmonton Oilers Special Advisor. Former Hockey Canada President & CEO.
- Jim Treliving (Director): Boston Pizza Co-Owner. TV personality on the Canadian Television show Dragons’ Den.
- NHL Alumni: Grant Mulvey, Greg Carroll, and Tony Currie.
- Chad Campbell (Forward): Led the BCJHL in scoring in 1973. Standout at Denver University.
- Ed Dempsey (Defenceman): 1975 NCAA champion. Former Head Coach of the Kamloops Blazers, Prince George Cougars, and Prince George Spruce Kings.
Tickets for both games this weekend are available at the Valley First box office at the SOEC, or online at www.valleyfirsttix.com. Tickets are $19 for adults, $17 for seniors. Youth 18 and under are free, courtesy of Peters’ Bros. Construction.
