Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko saves a shot against Seattle Kraken center Matty Beniers (10) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Seattle.
Image Credit: AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson
January 08, 2025 - 2:07 PM
The much-anticipated Young Stars Tournament in Penticton has been cancelled, and it's been replaced by an event in Seattle.
The Vancouver Canucks weren’t able to get other teams lined up for the tournament this year on the South Okanagan Events Centre, according to a press release from the team issued, Jan. 7.
“The Vancouver Canucks organization would like to sincerely thank the City of Penticton for the incredible job of supporting and hosting the Young Stars Tournament,” Canucks president Jim Rutherford said in the release.
“The staff at the Okanagan Events Centre, the fans who attended the games, and the local hockey community all contributed to the great success of these events. Unfortunately, we were unable to secure commitments from the other teams for next fall, so regrettably, we will not be hosting a Penticton Young Stars Tournament in 2025.”
Instead there will be a two-game prospects showcase with the Seattle Kraken in September. These prospect games are the start of a multi-year deal between the Canucks and the Kraken which include another set of games in Abbotsford scheduled for 2026.
Rutherford said although this year’s tournament has been cancelled, it could come back in the future.
“The organization will explore other opportunities with the city and has not closed the door on participating in a Young Stars tournament in future years. Next September, we are excited to go to Seattle and start this series with the Kraken. We feel providing these types of competitive opportunities will only enhance the development of our players,” Rutherford said.
Information about dates, locations, and tickets will be released at a later date.
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