As the Penticton Vees and the entire BCHL have struggled with finances this year due to fans not being allowed at games, one loyal fan has stepped up to help the Junior ‘A’ hockey club weather the storm.
An anonymous person recently made a $3,000 donation to the team after learning of the financial impacts of COVID-19. The money will be used to help pay a portion of the player fees and alleviate the cost for some families.
Due to lost ticket revenue, the BCHL was forced to ask player’s families to cover the cost of player fees this year. These costs are usually covered by the organization.
Since players arrived and the team started practicing in September, the Vees business staff has been hard at work looking to recreate the fan experience from home and allow fans to feel as in-touch with the team as possible.
The club has teamed up with Penticton Minor Hockey to host camps and opportunities to skate with some of the Vees players.
The Vees staff has also rolled out an online 50/50 platform, increased BlueZone merchandise inventory in their online store and have started selling ‘fan faces’ to be placed in the stands when the regular season kicks off.
READ MORE: Get your face in the stands at an upcoming Penticton Vees game
These efforts to support player fees did not go unnoticed as a call came earlier this week from a long time Vees fan looking to help. The supporter asked to make the anonymous donation of $3,000 to help pay a portion of the player fees and alleviate the cost for some families.
“It’s been a long eight months for so many individuals and so many businesses, our organization has not been exempt,” said Vees president, general manager and head coach Fred Harbinson. “It’s gestures such as this donation that provides you with energy to push on through these difficult times.”
The Vees are currently facing more tough times with one of their players testing positive for COVID-19. The entire team is currently self isolating.
The BCHL regular season was scheduled to begin Dec. 7 but that has since been delayed due to provincial health orders.
READ MORE: BCHL pushes back season start due to provincial health orders
READ MORE: Penticton Vees quarantining after player tests positive for COVID-19
jesse.day@pentictonwesternnews.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
