SUNDRE – The president of the local rec hockey league said the organization’s annual tournament over the past weekend was well received.
The Sundre Rec Hockey Association’s five teams each invited two others, securing the traditional total of 15 squads with players ranging between the ages of 4 to 18, said Shawn MacNeil.
“We’ve always done it that way,” MacNeil said, adding the Feb. 3-5 tournament garnered some good feedback and overall went really well.
“Everybody seemed to have a good time,” he said on Monday, Feb. 6.
Visiting teams came to play at the Sundre Arena from Cremona, Olds, and Didsbury.
Overall, there were more than 240 kids playing hockey throughout the weekend, with games starting on Friday evening and wrapping up late Sunday afternoon.
Although the fun tournament is more about celebrating the love of the sport than competing for championship titles and trophies, one player from each team was presented with a sportsmanship award following every game.
And along the way, an “awesome raffle table” boasting “lots of great prizes” helped raise some funds for the association. While an approximate amount was not yet known by press deadline when MacNeil spoke with the Albertan, he said the raffle table for the first time ever sold out completely.
“It was very well supported,” he said, adding the prizes donated by the community this year “were incredible.”
Asked if the association had any specific projects on the docket, MacNeil said efforts always remain ongoing to replace certain items such as socks and goaltender gear that endure regular wear and tear.
He also expressed appreciation to all of the people and businesses who contributed, as well as the players, families and fans who enthusiastically participated.
