Sting Move to Penticton

The Okanagan Hockey School Ltd. & Kootenay International Junior Hockey League are proud to announce the relocation of the Summerland Sting. The Sting, after playing four seasons in Summerland will move to Penticton beginning the 2009-2010 season.

The move to Penticton is in partnership with Global Spectrum, Penticton Minor Hockey, the Penticton Vees, the City of Penticton and Penticton Secondary School. The team will have a particularly close affiliation to Pen High, adopting the school name, the Lakers, and wearing the school colors, purple and gold.

Based out of the Community Arena, the Lakers, along with the Penticton Vees, will provide the City of Penticton with two junior hockey teams as the anchors of the South Okanagan Events Centre.

With a focus on community ties and school involvement, the Penticton Lakers, will be heavily involved in all aspects of our community and within the Penticton Secondary School and Okanagan College student body. The atmosphere of playing in front of fellow students and peers is a tremendous opportunity for our players.

“On behalf of the Okanagan Hockey School and the players and staff of the Summerland Sting, I would like to thank the District of Summerland’s staff for their hard work and dedication over the years. The professionalism exhibited by all the people we dealt with from the District of Summerland has been immeasurable. From Brenda Ingram and her staff at the Summerland Recreation Department to Mike Federer and the staff at the Summerland Arena, we have been treated in a respectful and professional manner. We would also like to thank Summerland Minor Hockey for their tireless efforts in making each season a success.

This move brings about a tremendous opportunity for hockey players and fans alike in the City of Penticton. The chance for players from Penticton to play junior hockey in their hometown is an exciting prospect, and something we look forward to encouraging.

For the inaugural season, I am pleased to announce Alan Kerr as the Penticton Lakers first Head Coach. Alan will be joined on staff by an Assistant Coach and Athletic Therapist to be announced at a later date.” Andy Oakes, President OHSL

The team will be hosting an invitation only camp held in the second week of July in Penticton.

For questions please contact Andy Oakes at 250-493-1408 ext 3360 or Alan Kerr at 250-493-1408 ext 3364.