Formo returns
Al Formo must be feeling a little like Michael Corleone from the Godfather III, who said “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.”
A talented Penticton Vees team, who recently extended its winning streak to 28 games with 9-2 and 9-8 wins against the Salmon Arm SilverBacks on the weekend, have managed to lure the longtime broadcaster back. It was just after Christmas that Formo spoke with Vees coach-GM Fred Harbinson and play-by-play man Fraser Rodgers about returning to the booth.
“People were stopping me on the streets saying you have to go back and help Fraser,” said Formo, who left the broadcast booth after 40-plus years. “I was missing it because I’m not working and I have some time. I can’t miss watching a hockey team like this. This is the best hockey team this town has seen since 1986. It’s very exciting for the fans. I want to be part of it. I’m going to go the balance of the year.”
FIS hits Apex
The Miele FIS event will be held at Apex Mountain starting on Thursday and concluding Sunday. The event will have Super G and Grand Slalom runs with athletes mainly from Western Canada and some European countries. Awards ceremonies take place following the races later in the afternoon.
Grey Cup visits
The Grey Cup along with Geroy Simon, Angus Reid and J.R. Larose will be at Rona from 10:15 to 11 a.m. for the public. From 9 to 10 a.m. they will visit KVR School but that is not open to the public. The Lion’s website states that more than 20 stops will be made in 16 communities as part of a province-wide tour that begins in Coquitlam on Sunday. Fans are encouraged to post their photos on yourcup.ca. The Grey Cup will stop in Kelowna on Jan. 31 then heads to Vernon and Kamloops.
Ending on a high
Ironman Canada midget Vees wrapped up its regular season with with a 2-1 win over the Kelowna Tier 2 junior Rockets on Jan. 29. Eric Buckley and Brad Palumbo scored for the Vees, who finished the season with a 15-1-3 record.
The night before, the Vees pounded the Salmon Arm SilverBacks 9-0 at Memorial Arena. They had eight different players score. The Vees also had the least penatly minutes with 280. They now have a bye in the first round of the playoffs, which start on Feb. 3.
Men’s rec hockey
In Penticton men’s rec hockey, the Bar One Argo Bisons cruised past the EcoDry Ice Dogs 8-2. Sam Gill scored four goals, while Dan Fraser scored twice to lead the Bisons to victory. Nick Riep scored both goals for the Ice Dogs.
