Vancouver Canucks Lend Fin, Er, Hand at OKIB Hockey School in Vernon - Greenwood Boundary Creek Times
The second annual school blends hockey drills with Nsyilxcen language lessons and drew 51 kids last year, organizers said.
- The Okanagan Indian Band hosted Canucks alumni and mascot Fin at Vernon's Priest Valley Arena for the second annual OKIB Sylix Summer Hockey School, which ran from July 27 to 31.
- Beyond hockey training, the school integrates Nsyilxcen language and culture lessons. Chief Dan Wilson credits a new cultural immersion school opened last fall for revitalizing the language, now taught at UBC Okanagan.
- Former Canucks forward Aaron Volpatti from Revelstoke joined outgoing Vernon Vipers captain Deagan McMillan as guest coaches. Volpatti said, "This school is a great initiative, and its great to see the OKIB and the Canucks helping to grow the game."
- Participation expanded in 2026, drawing youth from Penticton, Osoyoos, Westbank, and Lower and Upper Similkameen bands, building on the 2025 event that brought together 27 teams.
- The band's hockey legacy includes teams like the Head of the Lake Stampeders and Westside Totems dating back to the 1950s, underscoring deep ties between OKIB and the Canucks among elders and community members.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Vancouver Canucks lend Fin, er, hand at OKIB Hockey School in Vernon - Creston Valley Advance
The Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL) have plenty of fans among elders and members of the Okanagan Indian Band. Chief Dan Wilson tells the story of visiting his grandmother Sophie Wilson’s home when a Canucks game was on TV, and he’d get shushed by grandma if he had the audacity to chat with her while the game was on. “Had to wait for the commercial,” laughed Wilson. “If I talked to her during the game, I’d get scolded.” OKIB…
Vancouver Canucks lend Fin, er, hand at OKIB Hockey School in Vernon - Fort St. James Caledonia Courier
The Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL) have plenty of fans among elders and members of the Okanagan Indian Band. Chief Dan Wilson tells the story of visiting his grandmother Sophie Wilson’s home when a Canucks game was on TV, and he’d get shushed by grandma if he had the audacity to chat with her while the game was on. “Had to wait for the commercial,” laughed Wilson. “If I talked to her during the game, I’d get scolded.” OKIB…
Vancouver Canucks lend Fin, er, hand at OKIB Hockey School in Vernon - Grand Forks Gazette
The Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL) have plenty of fans among elders and members of the Okanagan Indian Band. Chief Dan Wilson tells the story of visiting his grandmother Sophie Wilson’s home when a Canucks game was on TV, and he’d get shushed by grandma if he had the audacity to chat with her while the game was on. “Had to wait for the commercial,” laughed Wilson. “If I talked to her during the game, I’d get scolded.” OKIB…
Vancouver Canucks lend Fin, er, hand at OKIB Hockey School in Vernon - Vanderhoof Omineca Express
The Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL) have plenty of fans among elders and members of the Okanagan Indian Band. Chief Dan Wilson tells the story of visiting his grandmother Sophie Wilson’s home when a Canucks game was on TV, and he’d get shushed by grandma if he had the audacity to chat with her while the game was on. “Had to wait for the commercial,” laughed Wilson. “If I talked to her during the game, I’d get scolded.” OKIB…
Vancouver Canucks lend Fin, er, hand at OKIB Hockey School in Vernon - Northern Sentinel
The Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL) have plenty of fans among elders and members of the Okanagan Indian Band. Chief Dan Wilson tells the story of visiting his grandmother Sophie Wilson’s home when a Canucks game was on TV, and he’d get shushed by grandma if he had the audacity to chat with her while the game was on. “Had to wait for the commercial,” laughed Wilson. “If I talked to her during the game, I’d get scolded.” OKIB…
Penticton Western News
Vancouver Canucks lend Fin, er, hand at OKIB Hockey School in Vernon
The Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL) have plenty of fans among elders and members of the Okanagan Indian Band. Chief Dan Wilson tells the story of visiting his grandmother Sophie Wilson’s home when a Canucks game was on TV, and he’d get shushed by grandma if he had the audacity to chat with her while the game was on. “Had to wait for the commercial,” laughed Wilson. “If I talked to her during the game, I’d get scolded.” OKIB…
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