Photo: CSSHL
The Canadian Sport School Hockey League reports its 2023 Western Championships in Penticton had an estimated economic impact of $3.337 million.
From March 6 to March 19, 2023, 86 teams and approximately 1,900 players and staff from the four western Canadian provinces and the state of Idaho converged on the city to participate in multiple events.
The CSSHL further reports that approximately 3,908 spectators attended the event, 90 percent of whom were out-of-town overnight guests staying more than three nights in Penticton.
And the event will continue to exist in the near future. The CSSHL, Okanagan Hockey Group, OVG360, Travel Penticton and the City of Penticton announced a 10-year agreement, five years with a five-year extension clause on top, to host the championships annually beginning in March 2024.
“As the CSSHL continues to expand, with 96 teams from the four western provinces plus the states of Idaho and Washington competing in the 2023-24 season, the CSSHL Western Championships will continue to grow and provide even greater economic viability each season.” Impact on both Penticton and the province of BC,” added CSSHL Chief Operating Officer Kevin Goodwin.
“Seeing the impressive economic numbers from last year’s tournament truly underscores how important the CSSHL Western Championships are to Penticton. With a significant portion of participants and spectators coming from outside the Okanagan region, this annual event provides a clear and strong economic boost to our local hospitality during its 14-day stay during what is typically a quieter time for tourism,” said Dean Clarke, General Manager and Regional Vice President of OVG360.
“With 10 more teams expected for next year’s event, it is clear that the CSSHL Western Championships is on an exceptional growth path and will ensure Penticton remains a premier sports and tourism destination year-round.”
Thom Tischik, executive director of Travel Penticton, said the event is particularly important because it comes during what is typically a quiet time of year for tourism.
“This initiative will help fill accommodations and generate business with restaurants, craft breweries, wineries, retailers and other non-hospitality establishments,” Tischik said.
In 2022, the CSSHL estimated that the championships had an impact of $3.151 million on Penticton.
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