BCIHL partners with Canucks Alumni, Heroes Hockey Challenge at Showcase

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The inaugural British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League University Showcase presented by Tourism Burnaby and the Hilton Hotel Metrotown will not only give fans an opportunity to see some of the best university hockey in the Province, but this weekend’s event will also include a chance to meet four of the Vancouver Canucks more well-known Alumni.

The University Showcase, which is set to take place from January 15th to 17th at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre in Burnaby, includes all five BCIHL teams playing two regular season games each.

Click here for BCIHL University Showcase Website and Ticket Information.

Canucks Alumni Kirk McLean, Dave Babych, Jyrki Lumme and Kyle Wellwood will be in attendance for the Saturday night contest between Simon Fraser University and Selkirk College. Prior to the 7:00 PM game, the Canucks Alumni will participate in a ceremonial puck drop with Master Corporal (retired) Paul Franklin, before being made available to sign autographs in between periods.

The BCIHL is partnering with Heroes Hockey Challenge and the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Foundation, which is an organization that hosts charity hockey events across Canada to raise awareness and financial support “…For the Soldier, the Wounded, the Fallen and their Families.”

As part of the partnership with Heroes Hockey Challenge, MCpl Paul Franklin will be in attendance for the evening games on both Friday and Saturday night and will speak at Saturday’s All Decade Team luncheon.

Franklin, who was a Master Corporal and medic attached to the PPCLI, was in Afghanistan exactly 10 years ago on Jan. 15, 2006 when his vehicle was struck by a suicide bomber. As a result of this incident, Paul lost both of his legs and sustained serious burns. Since his recovery and rehabilitation, Franklin travels and tells his story to help raise support and awareness for amputees and veterans.

The BCIHL, all of their sponsors and fans are honoured to pay tribute to Paul and all serving Canadian Forces members and Veterans during the weekend showcase. All media are invited to the Bill Copeland Arena to meet and interview our celebrities, and highlight the BCIHL showcase.

BCIHL University Showcase Schedule

Jan. 15 – Selkirk vs. Trinity Western – 4 p.m.
Jan. 15 – Eastern Washington vs. Simon Fraser – 7 p.m.
Jan. 16 – Eastern Washington vs. Victoria – 4 p.m.
Jan. 16 – Selkirk vs. Simon Fraser – 7 p.m.
Jan. 17 – Selkirk vs. Victoria – 2 p.m.
Jan. 17 – Eastern Washington vs. Trinity Western – 5 p.m.

Along with the All Decade Team luncheon, the BCIHL will also host a Coaches’ Q&A session on Saturday, which will give fans, parents and prospects a chance to ask questions and learn about the league.