Thousands of Central Alberta atom and novice hockey players recently invaded Innisfail for the fun-filled season that ended with the longstanding Tournament of Champions.
The hockey tournament, running in its 18th consecutive year, is organized by Lacombe brothers Tom and Jack Mckinlay for atom and novice players as a final season-ending fun tournament. This year, it ran March 28 to 30 in four different Central Alberta arenas, with the opening ceremonies held at the Innisfail Arena.
Atom division teams played in Innisfail Arena and Lacombe Sports & Leisure Complex, while the Novice teams played at the Penhold Regional Multiplex and in the Sylvan Lake Medican Multiplex.
The Bowden Atom Blades participated in the tournament, losing their first game but wining the next two to take the B-side final in overtime.
“The kids had a lot of fun and enjoyed the tournament,” said Karen Fagan, manager of the Atoms. “It was a good end to the season.”
The tournament was started in 1997 for novice players who did not have provincial playoffs and who just wanted to play one more weekend and wrap up their seasons, said Tom Mckinlay. “Over time, it grew to include Atom teams as well. We planned for 64 teams in each division with games being played in Lacombe, Sylvan Lake, and Innisfail.”
He added with the collapse earlier this year of the Sylvan Lake arena organizers were forced to cut the team numbers to 48 in each division. Penhold was added as a tournament site this year with Olds potentially on the list for 2015.
“Every team was guaranteed at least three games and every player received a participant medal with winning teams receiving a championship medal,” added Mckinlay. “It's not about winning, it is about the fun they have on the ice.”
Mckinlay estimated 3,000 players took part in the tournament in the four communities bringing in well over $1 million in tourism revenues to the area over the weekend.
“We will probably continue this for at least the 20th tournament,” said Mckinlay. “I have grandkids in the tournament now, and it is coming time to turn it over to someone else.”
