INNISFAIL – The Innisfail PeeWee B Flyers earned a silver medal at their annual tournament.
The two-day event saw six teams from across Alberta compete at the Innisfail Arena on Feb. 2 and 3.
With hard work and determination, the PeeWee B Flyers left everything on the ice.
“When you play in a tournament your end goal is to make it into the final game,” said Chad Savage, head coach. “The boys played their hearts out all weekend. Despite the result in the final game, I am very proud of all of them.”
The Flyers had a good start to their home tournament with two victories on Saturday, beating the Bow Valley Flames 9-0 in the morning and the Redwater Rush 8-3 in the afternoon.
In Sunday’s semifinal, they downed the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers 11-2, to set up a final match against the Brooks Jr. Bandits on Sunday afternoon (Feb. 3).
“We wanted to see how we stacked up against other tier four teams in Alberta," said Chad's wife Janice Savage, who was the tournament coordinator.
“We've had a great season. There’s been a lot of ups and downs and the boys have been learning a lot," she added. "Our annual tournament raises funds for extra ice time, extra practices and some equipment needs we have.
"We're also donating 25 per cent of our 50/50 proceeds to the Wik family," said Janice, noting a recent tragedy. "As an Innisfail Minor Hockey family we try to support each other."
Following each game during the tournament awards were given out to players.
"Each coach picks a player who deserves the Heart & Hustle Award and another player who deserves the Player of the Game or MVP Award," said Janice. "It's the coach's interpretation of who the best player was.”
The tough competition helps prepare players for league playoffs, she noted.
"We're getting through this (tournament) and our last two league games and we'll see where we sit for playoffs," said Janice, noting the Flyers always look forward to their annual tournament.
"It's wonderful for team building. For our team as well as other teams," said Janice. "We say (to the players) you never lose. You either win or learn."
