When Hockey Canada officials were at Predator Ridge Golf Resort in Vernon last year for a one-off meeting, inspiration struck the vice-president of Predator's parent company.
"Why not have Hockey Canada meetings and events here as much and as often as possible," said Brad Pelletier, the Okanagan vice-president for Wesbild. "So I approached them with the idea of a partnership for Predator Ridge to become Hockey Canada's summer home."
That deal was sealed this week, and it's the only one of its kind in the country.
Hockey Canada is based in Calgary but holds meetings all over the country, depending on the topics being discussed and time of year.
Having a summer base at Predator Ridge makes sense, according to Pelletier.
"Really, there are three places where hockey players and officials congregate in the summer: the Okanagan, the Muskokas (in Ontario's cottage country) and the Laurentians (in Quebec's cottage country)," he said.
"The Okanagan shines because of all its summer recreation - especially golf, which is the sport of choice for hockey players and officials in the off-season."
Pelletier sees Predator Ridge, with its 36 holes of championship golf, hotel and homes surrounding the golf courses, as a prime place for Hockey Canada officials to hold off-season player, development, sponsorship and partnership meetings.
Pelletier also sees Predator playing host to a big annual Hockey Canada fundraiser - likely a golf tournament - that would feature hockey stars of the past, present and future.
"So many NHL players live in the Okanagan in the summer, plus there's the former NHLers and up-and-coming junior players," he said.
Hockey Canada is the governing body for hockey in Canada. It oversees the provincial branch associations, with more than 700,000 players, coaches and officials.
Hockey Canada is also a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation. It develops the men's and women's teams that play at the Olympics, world championships and junior world championships.
"Hockey Canada remains very active in the summer as we prepare our teams, events and programs for the following season," said Hockey Canada chief operating officer Scott Smith.
"This agreement (with Predator Ridge) will allow Hockey Canada to hold a number of events in the spectacular surroundings of Predator Ridge while working towards a successful 2012-13 season."
"As a Vernon resident, Predator Ridge member and longtime supporter of Hockey Canada, I think this partnership offers great potential, and I look forward to supporting it through events and legacy programs," said Detroit Red Wings general manger Ken Holland.
"The Okanagan has always been a hotbed of both sports (golf and hockey), and this partnership solidifies that leadership position."