The Penticton female hockey duo is ready to represent BC on the national stage

When the hockey season began in September, Calleja Misson and Amy Polvere knew there was a chance to soon represent their hometown of Penticton on the national stage.

But first they faced the tall task of leading the U18 AAA Thompson-Okanagan Lakers to a provincial championship in British Columbia before they could help the team cement its place in Canada's prestigious Esso Cup.

And yet — even as the only two Penticton-based players on a team that draws athletes from Kamloops to Osoyoos and even Trail — here they are, poised to shine on the statewide platform.

On Sunday, April 21, Misson and Polvere will compete in the 2024 Esso Cup in Vernon, bringing together five regional champions from across the country.

While Misson is in Grade 12 at Princess Margaret, Polvere is in Grade 9 at Penticton Secondary and is one of the Lakers' youngest players.

The two local stars will lead Thompson-Okanagan in Vernon this weekend when they open the tournament against Nova Scotia's Northern Selects.

Despite serving as hosts of the 2024 Esso Cup, the team needed a three-game series win over the Fraser Valley Rush in March to cement its place at the top of the province.

The Lakers will therefore be the only B.C.-based team in the tournament.

With Misson and Polvere being the only Penticton players on the team, one parent told Western News it's a long road for the duo to get to this point.

Driving to Vernon and Kelowna three times a week for practice and hitting the winter roads of British Columbia for games in the Lower Mainland are just a few of the reasons, Cynthia Misson said.

“It's definitely a lot of excitement for them to compete in a national tournament,” she said, adding that the duo helped the Lakers win the Female World Sport School Tournament in Winnipeg back in January. “The girls have developed a bond and are there for each other. The parents are ready to support them and we are just super proud of all the girls.”

Esso Cup games are played at Kal Tire Place, where the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL also play.

The gold and bronze medal games will take place on April 27th.

The Lakers are led by general manager Kevin Bathurst and head coach Ed Patterson.

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