Council Backs RBC Cup Bid
Written by Peter McIntyre
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
Vernon council is backing the bid for the city to host the Royal Bank Cup in 2014.
The elected reps made the decision after hearing from Don Klepp, representing a group of Vernon Viper fans pushing the bid.
Klepp told the media, council's support was essential.
"If city council isn't behind it, we would stop right now. We're going step by step, making sure every step is firm, strong and supportive, and then we'll go to the next step."
He says next up will be to consult minor hockey and then seek around 100-thousand dollars in business sponsorships.
Klepp, who does colour commentary on the Vipers broadcasts on Kiss FM, says the junior A championship costs around $575,000 to put on, but can be profitable.
"Camrose this year made $200,000, and we were there in Camrose, and we saw the things they did. I think we can emulate and even improve on certain areas that they did."
Councillor Patrick Nicol remembers the last time Vernon hosted the event, in 1990.
"It just brought the whole community together, and there;s more spirit for the Vipers now, than there was then. It's hard to believe that was 21 years ago but long overdue to have it return."
The Vernon franchise (Vipers, Lakers) has won six titles, but have only hosted the ten day event once, in 1990, the year the team won it's first national title.
Klepp expects there will be another BC bid, although he doesn't know which city may apply.
"So the first thing we would have to do is win over that bid, because only one bid can come from BC."
The Vernon proposal would be submitted to the BCHL and Hockey BC this November, and if accepted would go to Hockey Canada in January 2012.
Humbolt Saskatchewan will host the 2012 tournament, followed by Summerside PEI in 2013.
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