Representatives from the Vancouver Canucks are expected in Penticton on Thursday to announce the return of an NHL prospects tournament.
A media advisory issued Tuesday afternoon invited the press to meet with Canucks brass at the South Okanagan Events Centre for a “special announcement.” No other details were provided.
However, it’s expected the event will be used to confirm the return of the Young Stars Tournament to Penticton. Two previous editions of the tournament featured top prospects from five NHL teams competing in a round-robin tournament in front of coaches, scouts, team officials and fans.
The last such event, held in September 2011, also attracted squads from the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks and Winnipeg Jets.
The 2010 edition featured the likes of current Oilers stars Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall. The Canucks also stuck around after the tournament to open their regular training camp, and treated fans to an intrasquad game.
Last year’s tournament was cancelled due to the NHL lockout. The Western News reported in April that a Vancouver-based sports reporter had tweeted that the Young Stars Tournament would return to Penticton this September.
SOEC general manager Dean Clarke later confirmed a deal was in the works and that an announcement was expected this month.