LUMBY — It’s been more than two months since a north Okanagan community was crowned with a national title: this year’s Kraft Hockeyville. The Village of Lumby got $100,000 to renovate its local arena and a chance to host an NHL hockey game.
READ MORE: Lumby wins Hockeyville 2016
The community was holding its breath to learn where the game would be held, and speculated it would be announced during Lumby Days, but the wait continues.
“We were hoping to release the details during Lumby Days but it looks like that’s going to be coming out in the coming weeks,” said Angie Clowry, a local Hockeyville spokesperson.
Clowry says the pre-season game will definitely be coming to the Okanagan, but it’s unclear if the venue will be in Lumby, Vernon or Kelowna.
Lumby’s Pat Duke Memorial holds about 300 spectators.
Mayor Kevin Acton said the arena may not be up to NHL standards, adding there are benefits to other rinks.
“Kelowna’s got its advantages, because it can hold more people. Vernon’s got its advantages because it is closer to Lumby and has more ties. So if I had to pick one, it would be with our neighbour, Vernon,” said Acton.
There will be other hockey festivities during Kraft Hockeyville week in Lumby, including hockey clinics with NHL alumni for the local young players.
The game in question will be played October 2, 2016 when the Edmonton Oilers face the Los Angeles Kings.
A ticket lottery will take place for a chance to grab free pre-season game tickets. Organizers will release more information once the arena location has been secured.
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