Support the Okanagan Lakers Hockey Program: Enter the $50,000 Cash Raffle Today!
The Okanagan Lakers hockey program is a men's intercollegiate hockey team that competes in the British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League (BCIHL). The team is made up of student-athletes from Okanagan College and UBCO and is entirely self-funded. To support the team financially, they are hosting a cash raffle with a total prize pool of $50,000. The first prize is $20,000, the second prize is $10,000, and the third prize is $5,000, with 15 additional cash prizes of $1,000 each. Tickets for the raffle can be purchased until Jan. 30, 2026.
General manager Tyler Young highlighted the financial challenges the team faces compared to other teams in the league. The team has high expenses for ice time, travel, and other necessities. Last year, their team fees were the highest in the league, and they lack basic hockey amenities like dressing rooms. The Lakers practice at Memorial Arena late at night and play their games at MNP Place. The cash raffle is crucial in supporting the team's financial needs to sustain the program in Kelowna.
The BCIHL includes teams from Simon Fraser University, the University of Victoria, Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, and Logan Lake, which is made up of players from TRU and NVIT. Young emphasized that the high fees associated with playing for the Lakers can deter student-athletes from choosing Kelowna as their school and hockey destination. The hope is that the cash raffle will generate enough funds to help keep the fees at a manageable level for aspiring student-athletes. To participate in the raffle and support the Lakers, visit the raffle page on their website.
In conclusion, the Okanagan Lakers hockey program faces financial challenges due to high expenses and lack of basic amenities compared to other teams in the league. The cash raffle is a crucial fundraising initiative to support the team's financial needs and maintain the program in Kelowna. Your participation in the raffle can make a significant difference in helping student-athletes pursue their academic and athletic goals with the Lakers.