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I recently posed three questions to Fraser Rodgers, Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the Penticton Vees. Here are his responses:
Question 1 - As Director of Broadcasting & Media Relations, how significantly has your work load increased since the Vee's championship? Answer - "When winning a national championship, we did receive plenty of national attention but Our staff and I already experienced something similar throughout the regular season. The Vees set a CJHL record with 42 straight wins during the regular season and during that time our team was fielding plenty of media requests. My work load did increase substantially but it was welcome as it's not only great exposure for our team but the BCHL as well. Like players, media members at the junior level want to advance their careers to the next level. With the attention our team received, it allowed myself to get a taste of what this job could be like at a higher level and it was an invaluable experience."
Question 2 - What does the term "off season" mean to someone in your position? Answer - "I don't know what "off-season" means. There is such a thing?!? In all seriousness, a long playoff run creates a short turn around for the next season both on and off the ice. With my position it's important to keep the poker hot so to speak and make sure this team's brand is reaching out to the community and build off the success of the championship season, whether it's in corporate sales, tickets or general advertising and media coverage. I'm getting married next month so I will have a few days to put the phone down and turn the hockey brain off...hopefully."
Question 3 - Can you think of one word to describe Penticton for the upcoming season?
Answer - "A lot of outside talk suggests this team will be in a "rebuild" mode but that simply isn't true." Good teams don't rebuild, they reload. That saying has stuck with me throughout my time coverage sports and it's certainly true in junior hockey. Look at our close rival the Vernon Vipers, who won back-to-back RBC Cups and appeared in three straight RBC Cup Finals. Fred Harbinson [GM / Head Coach] always seems to put a cup contender together and this year won't be different. This team won't have that skill you saw last season but make no mistake this year's addition of the Vees will be battling for top spot in the conference."
The Penticton Vees tore up the BCHL last season with 42 consecutive wins on their way to securing the National championship! I would like to thank the Penticton Vees and Fraser Rodgers for taking the time to answer my questions.
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