After getting rescheduled last season, the BCHL 60th Anniversary event will be played from Jan. 20-22.
The event will be held in Penticton and feature a top prospects game, BCHL alumni game, skills competition and 3-on-3 all-star game.
“We were disappointed to have to cancel our event last year, but we could not be happier to give our fans another opportunity to take part in the festivities this year,” said BCHL Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Steven Cocker in a release.
“It may technically be our 61st season now, but we will celebrate just the same as we would have last year while recognizing the rich history of the BC Hockey League.”
“One of the goals for the future of our league events is to make sure BCHL athletes receive even more exposure to NHL scouts and college coaches. With the debut of our Top Prospects event, we are thrilled to add another stage for our players to showcase themselves in a new environment.”
Rosters, ticketing and special guests will be announced at a later date.
You might think that the Wings Over the Rockies is a bird festival – right? Yes, there are birding events, but it’s so much more!
The week of May 9 to 15 is packed with more than a hundred nature events that explain the important and unique wildlife and their environment in the Upper Columbia Valley. The festival has been Winging It – for 25 Years and this anniversary year promises to be better than ever.
Plan to attend one of the new events, the daily Chirp and Chat session at a local pub or restaurant to meet fellow attendees in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Be sure to reserve a place at any of the festival events at www.wingsovertherrockies.org.
Another way to participate and support Wings is the Online Auction that opened May 6. Just click the button on the website to view dozens of auction offerings, many of which cannot be found anywhere else.
A highlight of the auction is a Small Ship Expedition on the mighty Saint Lawrence River. The 11-day cruise tours three provinces and the French island of Saint Pierre. Adventure Canada donates a trip each year to Wings and this cruise features wildlife, history, and culture with stunning coastal scenery.
Also, famous artist Robert Bateman, keynote speaker for the fifth Wings Festival, has donated a signed copy of his book, Birds, together with an original pen and ink drawing of an osprey.
Back 40 Outdoor Events is offering two nights in a glamping tent for two people with a charcuterie platter. And you can remember the best day of your life by renewing your wedding vows with Dee Conklin, Wedding Commissioner, and celebrate with a dinner and night at Copper Point Resort.
Look for many more amazing adventures, extravagant art and learning opportunities in the Online Auction.
Engaging children is an important Wings’ objective. The Kids Festival event, sponsored and hosted by Main Street Fun & Games, explores the scientific and creative side of nature with the emphasis on fun.
Main Street’s owner, Dee Connell says, “Dozens of community groups are coming together to stage activities. Crafts, play areas, puppets and clowns, something to interest almost everyone.”
The event will introduce LARPING (Live Action Role Playing), “a game where the participants physically act out their characters” explained Dee. Costumes are most welcome at the Kids Festival. Join the Free fun at Pothole Park from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 14.
Photographers, young and older, can enter the free Photo Contest. Photos in four categories for adults and a special category for photo buffs under 16 may be submitted on-line for prizes in each category.
The Grand Prize is a two-day workshop with nature photographer Denise Hoffgaard.
Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival is a week to enjoy, learn and celebrate the amazing ecosystem we live in.
Go to wingsovertherockies.org to book your special adventures, bid on unique auction offerings, check the Photo Contest details, attend The Wardens concert or enjoy the Gala Dinner with keynote speaker, Dr. Harvey Locke.
Lead and above image: Wings Children’s Festival, May 5, 2017. Photos submitted
Registration spots are still available for the inaugural TransRockies Gravel Royale
As the summer race season approaches, TransRockies Race Series, the global leader in adventure stage races, is looking forward to a successful inaugural TransRockies Gravel Royale gravel stage race August 22-25.
Riders: Ned Woods, left, and Travis Hauck
Initially set for August 2021, COVID-19 restrictions canceled all events in British Columbia’s Interior. The gravel stage race will now debut in August 2022, and there are still registration spots available for interested riders.
The TransRockies Gravel Royale course kicks off at Panorama Mountain Resort and tours some of the most scenic and challenging gravel routes in British Columbia. The route will also visit Nipika Mountain Resort and the Village of Canal Flats before finishing in the City of Fernie.
The four-day stage race will cover 375 km (233 miles) and around 7,000 m (23,000 ft) of climbing.
“After two years of planning, we can’t wait to bring the legendary TransRockies stage race experience to the gravel community,” said Aaron McConnell, President of TransRockies. “This part of British Columbia is so perfect for a wilderness gravel experience.”
As of April 1, a negative covid test is no longer required for fully vaccinated visitors to Canada, making the Gravel Royale even more accessible for riders coming from the United States and other parts of the world. Daily direct flights into Calgary International Airport are available from 85 destinations in 15 countries, including Denver, San Francisco, Minneapolis, New York, London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and many more.
Continuing in 2022, TransRockies Gravel Royale will offer alternative options for riders, including a two-day “Ante Up” ride and a three-day E-Bike “Poker Ride.” The shorter options are ideal for riders who are looking to dip their toes into the stage race experience.
The stages of Gravel Royale will take riders on secluded gravel roads through the Canadian Rocky Mountains, traditional home to the Ktunaxa Nation. Riders will experience vast mountain views, native wildlife and winding stretches of gravel in this difficult, but achievable challenge.
The extensive network of well-maintained forest service roads in the region guarantee great riding and racing conditions.
After each stage, participants can anticipate a relaxing, fun and memorable time at camp. After 20 years, TransRockies has perfected their camp hospitality and provides all of the amenities riders could need. The TransRockies team transports gear/luggage, sets up tents at each stage, provides showers and prepares meals.
Each night, massage and athletic therapy stations are available along with mechanical support and a bike wash for participants. With all TransRockies stage races, the Chillville will make an appearance at Gravel Royale and will be equipped with music, snacks and a nice campfire for riders to socialize and hang out with other participants.
“People hang out for hours after the races and just hang out and talk about their day and celebrate the things that went well and laugh about the things that didn’t go so well,” said pro mountain biker Emma Maaranen.
“It’s pretty incredible. I haven’t been to races like that in years and years that have such a community feel to them.”
Don’t hesitate to register for TransRockies Gravel Royale! There are still spots available, however the event may sell out. Registration includes meals, tent camping, luggage transport, among other amenities. Registration link here.
The TransRockies Race Series operates 10 events over 32 days annually in the Western U.S. and Canada. Specializing in multi-day and endurance cycling and running events, TransRockies serves over 3,500 participants annually. The organization has operated over 200 days of stage racing since it was founded in 2002.
