The British Columbia Hockey League has released the schedule for the fourth Bauer BCHL Showcase Sept. 24 to 27 at Prospera Centre in Chilliwack.
The defending BCHL and Western Canada Cup champion Penticton Vees open on Sept. 24 against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs at 4 p.m. in the main rink. On Sept. 25, the Vees play their final Showcase game against the host Chilliwack Chiefs at 7:30 p.m.
The secondary rink at Prospera Centre, which was not supposed to be used this year, becomes necessary for one game with the Wenatchee Wild joining the BCHL. The Wild will play the Vernon Vipers on that sheet on Sept. 26 at 3:30 p.m.
About 200 scouts from the college and professional ranks are expected to attend.
Over the last three seasons, since the Showcase began, the BCHL has averaged 137 players with college commitments and this past season, there were 247 BCHL graduates playing National Collegiate Athletic Association Div. I hockey.
There have also been 12 BCHL players selected in the two NHL Entry Drafts since the first Showcase was held. There are five current BCHL players (Marcus Vela, Langley Rivermen; Carmine Buono, Powell River Kings; Thomas Aldworth, Vernon Vipers; Liam Finlay, Vernon Vipers and Vincent Desharnais, Chilliwack Chiefs) listed by NHL Central Scouting leading into this year’s draft.
Tickets for the Showcase go on sale on Sept. 1.