Remembering the accomplishments of Penticton junior hockey players is important to the junior A organization.
Now every time a present Vee like captain Tyson Jost or Scott Conway steps onto the ice, they can strive to be their best so one day their names will be remembered on a wall of plaques that showcase the greatest players who have played in Penticton. Among them is Brett Hull, who is in the single season 50 goal club, right at the top after burning goalies for 105 goals in 1983-84 or Eugene Peachcosh, who won the first scoring title in Penticton's history with 94 points in 1967.
Above the plaques is the saying — 'At the heart of every great organization is Pride."
"It's another thing for our players to look at before they go out on the ice," said Harbinson, the Vees' president, coach and general manager, who talked about their home record (they have a sign that is updated after each game for players to see) and how important it is to win games in front of their fans. Make it a difficult place to play. Some of the history of the guys that have been here before. Hopefully some day some guys will have their names on those boards as well."
Planning to recognize that history started a couple of years ago and Harbinson received help from former Vees co-owner Scott Carter, who passed on information as well as an alum who had a book. Harbinson said it was only a matter of deciding how to do it and co-owner Frank Darin of Sherwood Sings and Graphics Ltd. came up with the idea of silver plaques.
The next phase, said Harbinson, is to do something when the Western Canada Cup tournament is in Penticton in 2017. The organization is talking about ideas that can go in the concourse for fans to enjoy.
There are plaques on the wall for most of the BCHL award categories.