The Kamloops Blazers have been nominated for the WHL Business Award for the second consecutive season.

The award is presented annually to the club that judged to have done the best at giving back to the community while also producing an electrifying game-day experience for fans.

The 2023 Memorial Cup hosts were highlighted for initiatives like Indigenous Night, Autism Acceptance Night, and Pride Night with the WHL noting the return of more engaging game-day promotions has helped stoke interest among more casual fans.

Also highlighted was the Blazers Community Commitment Program that brought 15,000 fans – including veterans, minor hockey and soccer teams – out to games in partnership with 15 different local businesses.

“Thanks to the hosting of major national and international events, including the 2023 Memorial Cup presented by Kia and the Canada-USA women’s hockey Rivalry Series, the Blazers have seen an increase in season ticket and single-game ticket sales,” the WHL said in a release.

“In total, the Blazers season-ticket holder base increased by more than 900 new season-ticket holders. At this time, Blazers attendance is at 90 per cent capacity, which represents an increase of 27 per cent from the previous season.”

It also notes local sponsorship has steadily increased, as have sales in the Blazers online and brick-and-mortar stores.

The addition of debit and credit to the 50/50 system was also recognized as were the Loge seats on the upper concourse of the Sandman Centre that are sold out with a wait list of people looking to get in.

The Blazers will go up against the Edmonton Oil Kings, the Saskatoon Blades, and the Spokane Chiefs, with the winner of the WHL Business Award announced on Tuesday, May 2.

Kamloops last won the award in the 2012-13 season.