The BC Hockey League has announced dates for the 2023 Road Show event in Burns Lake, B.C. on the traditional land of the Ts’il Kaz Koh First Nation. The event will take place on Feb. 18 and 19, Family Day long weekend, at Tom Forsyth Memorial Arena, where the Prince George Spruce Kings and Salmon Arm Silverbacks will play two regular-season games.
The league is once again partnering with the Lake Babine Nation who will co-host the event.
Prince George and Salmon Arm were supposed to participate in the event last February, but it was postponed due to COVID-19.
“We were disappointed to have to postpone our event last season,” said BCHL CEO Chris Hebb. “But we are excited to announce these new dates and begin planning with our partners at the Lake Babine Nation, who have been a great group to work with.”
“The goal of this event is to bring high-level hockey to an area of the province that does not get to experience it every day and we can’t wait to get to Burns Lake and show that community what the BCHL is all about.”
Last year, the Lake Babine Nation announced that all surrounding First Nations have agreed to work together in support of the event, including: Wet’suwet’en First Nation, Cheslatta Carrier Nation, Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band, Skin Tyee Nation and Ts’il Kaz Koh First Nation.
“I humbly acknowledge and appreciate the BCHL’s commitment to keeping the Road Show in the Village of Burns Lake and on the unceded traditional territory of the Ts’il Kaz Koh First Nation,” said Chief Murphy Abraham of the Lake Babine Nation. “We made a tough decision to postpone this event last year due to the pandemic, but now with restrictions lifted, the show must go on.”
“Some of the goals for this event are to get reconnected with one another, build on the positive family atmosphere within the communities, inspire the children and youth with the sport of hockey and to manifest the culture and traditions on all levels. Lake Babine Nation looks forward to working alongside all of those involved and to make a memorable Family Day weekend in 2023.”
The BCHL held the inaugural Road Show in February of 2020 in Kitimat, B.C.
Similar to the first Road Show, the Burns Lake event will include more than just the on-ice action. BCHL players and staff will also engage in community events and initiatives, such as school visits, hockey camps and more.
Additional details of the event will be announced in the coming weeks.
