Approximately 350 of Labrador’s finest minor hockey players will provide fans with a fun filled weekend of great hockey action and friendly competition. Twenty teams from Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget divisions from Blanc Sablon, Natuashish, Labrador West, and the Lake Melville region will all be participating in the three-day hockey tournament, from January 27-29. Minor hockey players from Churchill Falls will join teams from Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Labrador City this year as there are not enough to form an official team to represent the community. Also, two pre- games, Sheshatshiu vs Natuashish and HVGB vs Sheshatshiu, will take place at the EJ Broomfield arena on Thursday and will kick-start the weekend long events.
Debbie Morris, Coordinator of the Mega Tournament Committee and Vice President of the Lake Melville Extreme Minor Hockey Association told the Labradorian that she’s hoping to see a great turnout of fans this weekend.
Morris said the Mega Tournament committee began planning for the weekend long tournament just after Christmas. “Basically our committee consists of coordinators from the divisions: pee wee, bantam and midget, individuals from our Executive, and also people who are volunteers with the association, for instance, our time keepers – Dave Primmer and Terry Hutchings spend the whole weekend there and have been doing this for a number of years. Our committee has also been together for a number of years too, this is our ninth annual tournment.” Morris said this is her seventh year on the committee for the minor hockey Mega Tournament.
Over the weekend, the teams will be bunking at the local hotels in the area and relying on accommodations from local family and friends. “There’s no billeting this year, as of yet.” Said Morris. “A lot of kids meet other kids from playing over the years and they become friends so they will stay with them”
A total of 31 games will be played at the Arena from Friday evening to Sunday.
This is a family event and everyone is invited to come and show support for all teams in the tournament.
