A storm is brewing at the Innisfail Aquatic Centre as the Hurricanes prep for a hometown tournament this weekend.
“This is their first chance to play against anyone,” said Noble-Lee Valentine, Hurricanes president and tournament director. “Here you can finally see what all their hard work adds up to.”
A total of 20 teams from across the province will compete in bantam and atom action. Games begin at 8 a.m. both days, running until 9 p.m. on Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sunday.
“The kids seem like they're having fun in the pool,” she said. “They're learning a lot about the game and different plays.”
Spectator attendance is completely free.
“Come stay warm at the pool,” she said. “Cheer on the Hurricanes.”
Rashelle Wagers, 18, the Hurricanes' coach is pleased with how the water polo players have been developing so far.
“They're playing better as a team,” she said. “They definitely added basic formations and a lot of ball handling.”
She been trying to keep the players zeroed in on a successful mindset.
“We need to focus on working together and all the positive instead of the negative things that pop up,” she said.
Kelly Eggink, 12, is in her second year on the water polo team. She will be playing in the bantam girls division on the weekend.
“It's really fun but also kinda rough sometimes,” she said of water polo. “It's different from other sports.”
Though Eggink particularly likes the games they play after practice, she can't wait for the weekend.
“Since it's our first tournament I'm really nervous,” she said. “I'm not really worried.”
