(Photo: Penticton Councillor Isaac Gilbert, Mayor Julius Bloomfield, and Vees President, GM & Head Coach Fred Harbinson at Memorial Arena for a proclamation announcement)
Penticton, B.C. – It’s a special weekend coming up when the Penticton Vees take on the Salmon Arm Silverbacks and Cranbrook Bucks in a pair of home games at the South Okanagan Events Centre (SOEC).
This Vees are hosting Panthers Retro Weekend on Friday and Saturday, as they celebrate the 14-year history of the Penticton Panthers. Over 25 Panthers alumni, including former NHL defenceman Duncan Keith, and their families will be in attendance.
In honour of Panthers Weekend, the Vees are offering retro pricing for both games this weekend, as tickets are just $9 for adults, a savings of 50 percent on walk up tickets. Youth (18 & under) are free, courtesy of Peters Brothers Construction. The two nights will also feature 90’s themed music and activations at the SOEC. Make sure to dig out your old Panthers gear from the closet and wear it to the rink this weekend. Fans are encouraged to wear their best 90’s outfit.
The Vees will be wearing Panthers throwback jerseys for both games this weekend. The red jerseys are inspired by Panthers’ jerseys from the 1990’s. The jerseys are being auctioned online, which starts Tuesday, January 7th, at 9:00 am. Bidding closes on Friday, January 10th, at 12:00 pm. Winning bids for the jersey auction will have the chance to get their game-worn jersey from the players immediately following the game on January 11th. The jersey auction starts a $160. Fans can access the auction at www.32auctions.com/panthers2025
“We’re excited to celebrate an era that so many fans have fond memories of,” began Vees Vice President of Business, Fraser Rodgers. “We hope to see a generation that as young kids watched the Panthers at Memorial Arena now bring their families to the SOEC this weekend. With over two dozen alumni in attendance, discounted tickets, Panthers jerseys, and 90’s music, we hope to restore that Panthers Pride so many grew up with.”
On Monday, Mayor Julius Bloomfield, in a special announcement at Memorial Arena with Councilor Isaac Gilbert and Vees President, General Manager, and Head Coach, Fred Harbinson, officially declared January 11th as Panthers Pride Day in the City of Penticton.
The Vees have also partnered with the City of Penticton’s “Welcome Home” program, as 100 of Penticton’s newest residents have the chance to watch the game on January 11th and receive an exclusive dressing room tour.
Notable Panthers alumni include Paul Kariya, Brendan Morrison, Duncan Keith, Chuck Kobasew, and Tanner Glass. There is still Panthers alumni in the NHL today, as Spencer Carbery is now the Head Coach of the Washington Capitals, and Rob Tallas is the Goaltending Coach of the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
Tickets for both games this weekend are available at the Valley First box office at the SOEC, or online at www.valleyfirsttix.com. Tickets are $9 for adults. Youth 18 and under are free, courtesy of Peters’ Bros. Construction.
