INNISFAIL – Some tournaments score huge for the community.
The 23rd annual Dean Turnquist Spring Fever Road Hockey Tournament did just that as it returned this year for a one-day event.
The outdoor tournament was held at the Eastgate Mall parking lot on May 5, just down the road from the original location at the Super 8 Motel.
A total of 14 adult teams and 23 kids teams participated in the tournament this year, raising between $8,000 and $10,000 for the Helping Hand Fund, a program that supports underprivileged children in community sports.
"We wanted to have it outside and we wanted the adults and the kids to play on the same day this year," said Kim Tibble, committee member.
Participants ranged in age from four to 60 and came from across Alberta, including Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Olds, Bowden, Penhold, Caroline, Spruce View and Innisfail.
The event included concession stands selling popcorn, cotton candy, mini doughnuts and ice cream. The Innisfail Kinettes also operated a beer garden and concession next to the event.
"This is important that kids get the opportunity to continue to play and it means so much to sport in our community," said Dean Turnquist.
"It's because of people like Vern Loughlean, Rachelle Meikle and Kim Tibble that started it in the first few years and the committees that have come through the years. The committee we have this year and all the people that have played in (the tournament) throughout the years, that makes it what it is," he added.
Loughlean was out watching the action on Saturday.
"It's great for the community and for the Helping Hand Fund," said Loughlean. "There's a lot of kids it helps, so they can get involved in sports that they couldn't otherwise get involved in.
"(The tournament) appears to be getting better every year and more kids are taking part," he added.
One team, Road Rebels Hockey from Red Deer, participated in the event for the first time.
"It's a beautiful day for hockey," said Michael Kohut, a minor hockey coach from Red Deer. "I think the tournament is put together very well. The kids are having fun."
He said the kids were enjoying their first road hockey tournament of the summer and while it was their first time participating in the spring fever tournament, it won't be their last.
"We'll come back next year," Kohut concluded.
