The 2026 CSSHL Western Championships surpassed all previous years’ results with $7.8 million in economic impact for the City of Penticton, $1.1 million more than was seen in 2025.
The long-standing tournament (first established in 2015) brings teams, families, and visitors to Penticton each March, reinforcing the tournament’s role as a major sport tourism event and highlighting its continued economic benefits for local businesses and the broader community. Over the course of 16 days in 2026, a record total of 8,544 attendees were recorded.
“The CSSHL Western Championships have become a signature event for Penticton, bringing teams, families, and visitors into our community during an important time of year for local businesses,” said Andy Oakes, President of the Okanagan Hockey Group. “Beyond the excitement on the ice, the tournament creates meaningful benefits for hotels, restaurants, retailers, and tourism partners, while continuing to showcase Penticton as a premier destination for championship hockey.”
To measure the event’s local impact, the CSSHL and Okanagan Hockey Group work with the City of Penticton to use the Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model (STEAM), a standardized model developed by Sport Tourism Canada, to estimate the economic impact of sport events by analyzing visitor spending, event operations, and related expenditures within the host community.
Kevin Pearce, Executive Director of Visit Penticton stated, “Hosting a world-class event like the CSSHL Western Championships is about more than filling hotels and restaurants—it’s about showcasing the very best of Penticton. We’re proud that so many visitors discover our community through this tournament, and even prouder when they choose to come back.”
The 2026 CSSHL Western Championships were held March 7–22 at the South Okanagan Events Centre Complex in Penticton, welcoming teams from across Western Canada and the United States. The event has become a significant annual sport tourism draw for the community and an important opportunity to showcase Penticton as a championship host destination.
“The success and continued growth of the CSSHL Western Championships are a testament to the dedication of the CSSHL, local organizers, volunteers, tourism partners and community supporters who help make Penticton a premier destination for sport tourism and major events,” said Mayor Julius Bloomfield. “We are proud to support events like the CSSHL Western Championships that strengthen our economy, celebrate youth sport and create lasting connections to Penticton.”
With a long-standing agreement in place, the City of Penticton, Okanagan Hockey Group, and the CSSHL will continue to elevate the excellence of this annual tournament for all student athletes with the 2027 dates set for March 6-21.
Economic impact information is based on the Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model (STEAM), developed by Sport Tourism Canada, and event analysis completed in partnership with the City of Penticton.
About the CSSHL Western Championships
The CSSHL Western Championships bring together all teams in the Western divisions of the league together to compete at the conclusion of the season. The City of Penticton in partnership with the Okanagan Hockey Academy and the OVG Group has hosted the event for more than a decade, with games played at venues within the South Okanagan Events Centre Complex.
About Okanagan Hockey Academy Penticton
Established in 2002, Okanagan Hockey Academy (OHA) Penticton is one of Canada’s premier hockey academies and the first hockey-specific sport school recognized by Hockey Canada and BC Hockey. In 2027, OHA will celebrate its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of developing student-athletes both on and off the ice through its comprehensive 10-month hockey and education program. During the 2025–2026 season, OHA fielded seven elite CSSHL teams—five male teams (U15, U15 Prep, U17, U17 Prep and U18 Prep) and two female U18 Prep teams—serving approximately 150 student-athletes from across Canada and around the world. OHA is proud to serve as host partner of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) Western Championships, with 2026 marking the 11th consecutive year the event has been held in Penticton.
For further information:
Sara Cassie
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
CSSHL
s.caissie@csshl.ca
