Cranbrook,B.C. – The Kootenay ICE Hockey Club is pleased to announce a new partnership with the EK ICE Avalanche of the District Zone League, part of the BC Hockey Zone program.

The affiliation involves the EK ICE Avalanche bantam and midget teams.

As part of the affiliation, a coach mentoring system will be set up between the ICE and ICE Avalanche, which will include progressive player development tools and support from the entire ICE coaching staff.

“The Kootenay ICE coaching staff is appreciative of the opportunity provided by the EK ICE Avalanche to participate,” explained Head Coach James Patrick. “Community engagement is a key organizational focus and we look forward to supporting the coaches and players of the EK ICE Avalanche”.

“The East Kootenay Minor Hockey Association and the EK ICE Avalanche Zone program wish to thank the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club for its dedicated support for the development of minor hockey players and coaches,” stated EK President Chris Prosser. “This new partnership will allow players and coaches to develop at the highest level in minor hockey and allow players and coaches to remain in their home communities while continuing their hockey development.”

The EK ICE Avalanche is operated in coordination with the East Kootenay Minor Hockey Association and BC Hockey to provide all athletes an opportunity to play at an elite level in a professionally coordinated program.

The BC Hockey Zone program allows local associations to focus on grassroots hockey programming and allows minor hockey associations to come up with quality programming within the playing rules.

Tickets for the annual Black & White Game presented by Alpine Toyota and Centex Market/Stoke Juice can be purchased by calling 250-417-0322, stopping by the Kootenay ICE office at Western Financial Place or ordering online at ICEcountry.ca. Tickets are also available at Centex Market in Kimberley.