Two Powell River Kings are among BC Hockey League (BCHL) players who will not be participating in all-star festivities next month in Penticton.
In November, defender and team captain Dylan Finlay was chosen as the Kings’ representative to take part in a three-on-three tournament, which was scheduled as part of the league’s All-Star Weekend from January 16 to 18.
Earlier this month, forward Karter McNarland was chosen as a member of the Coastal Conference roster for the Top Prospects game, also part of the weekend festivities. That, along with the three-on-three tournament, an alumni game and a skills competition were among the casualties of a postponement until 2023 due to the recent increase of COVID-19 cases in the province. The league made the announcement on December 23.
“We are disappointed for our loyal fans who were planning on attending the event, but we feel the worst for the 50 players who were set to participate in the weekend’s festivities,” stated BCHL commissioner Chris Hebb. “We are grateful to all our event and league partners who supported us and are eager to work with them again next year to make the event even bigger and better.”
Next year’s event is scheduled to take place in Penticton.
“We are disappointed that the BCHL 60th Anniversary celebration and Save Pond Hockey event is unable to go ahead in January, but understand that with current pandemic restrictions and conditions it is the right thing to do,” stated Penticton mayor John Vassilaki. “We look forward to supporting the event in January 2023 at our new outdoor rink.”
Finlay has scored twice and added 11 assists in 25 games with the Kings this season. McNarland has five goals and nine helpers in 20 games.
Kings return to action following the holiday break with a road game in Victoria on New Year’s Day against the Grizzlies. The next home game is Wednesday, January 5, also against Victoria. Game time is 7 pm.
