While you never want to take a break when your team is playing the best hockey of the season, head coach and general manager Fred Harbinson said it’s also nice for his players on the Penticton Vees to go home, visit family and friends and get their mind off hockey for a few days.
The red-hot Vees entered the Christmas holiday season on a seven-game win streak, which has put them in a first-place tie with the arch-rival Brooks Bandits at the top of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) standings.
Both teams have 44 points, although Brooks does have two games in hand on the Vees, which sports an impressive 22-6 record.
The Vees have had an extended break as all the players left for their respective homes following their last game against the West Kelowna Warriors on Dec. 15.
They were expected back in town on Boxing Day.
“We only have a quick turnaround with one practice …