On any given night during the B.C. Hockey League season, it’s not uncommon to see any two of the Penticton Vees, Vernon Vipers, Salmon Arm Silverbacks and Westside Warriors facing off, usually with first place in the BCHL’s Interior Conference on the line.

Those four teams have provided B.C. hockey fans with classic battles in recent years, from preseason meetings with nothing but bragging rights up for grabs to playoff clashes with everything to play for.

But now the teams, along with the other 16 BCHL clubs, are coming together as their league prepares to welcome not only the Canadian Junior A hockey community, but the hockey world at the 2010 World Junior A Challenge this November in Penticton.

The highlight of the group effort is the BCHL Fan Pack, a ticket package being offered exclusively to season ticket holders of all BCHL teams. The package includes tickets to all 13 games for just $99 – less than $8 per game.

Those who purchase the package also receive:

• a personalized BCHL Fan Pass
• a free tournament souvenir program
• the chance to win Canada West player jerseys from BCHL players
• the chance to win Ultimate WJAC Fan Experience, which includes:
• a second event package
• VIP access
• an autographed Canada West jersey

“Fans of our league are among the most passionate hockey fans in Canada, and we wanted to offer a package to allow them to see the best Junior A hockey our country has to offer, regardless of where they live or who they cheer for,” says John Grisdale, commissioner of the B.C. Hockey League. “We’re hopeful that a number of our fans will make the trek to Penticton this fall and see the cream of the Junior A crop in action.”

The 2010 World Junior A Challenge will mark the second time in four years the tournament will come to a BCHL Interior Conference city – in 2007, more than 3,000 fans jammed historic Cominco Arena in Trail, B.C. to watch Canada West win their second-consecutive WJAC gold medal.

To be a part of the 2010 World Junior A Challenge, call 1-877-763-2849, check out www.valleyfirsttix.com or visit the box office at the South Okanagan Events Centre or the Wine Country Visitors Centre.

Right now, the only ticket options are the BCHL Fan Pack and a full-tournament package for $119, which includes tickets to all 13 games, plus a specialized WJAC tournament pass and a souvenir event program. Single-game tickets will go on sale to the public closer to the start of the event.