Wednesday, August 16, 2023 Vol. 46, No. 33
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Eighth Annual Brettzky Hockey Challenge succeeds for hockey and community spirit
PHOTO COURTESY BRANDI BIRD. This year’s winner of the Brettzky A Final Championship was The Club, composed of (not in order): Brandon Rabby, Devon Winczura, Ryan Maxwell, Dustin Morrison, Brent Kawalilak, Steve Oslanski, Mike Gudmandson, Ben Adams, Josh Dugas, Matt Maetche, Andy McCormick, Ty Cheveldayoff, Braden Appleby, Brody Beaulieu, Max McPeak and Aric Shinke. Patricia Harcourt Editor Organizers and fans alike were once again impressed with their hockey in August event at the Viking Carena. “The Eighth Annual Brettzky’s Hockey Challenge was another successful weekend of hockey and community spirit while raising money for our community,” said Brettzky board chair and volunteer Todd Ritchie. After four days of hockey action, the winners for the Brettzky A Final were “The Club,” which has won the trophy for the third time. The Club defeated the Colony in the final 7-4. The Ribstones won the Brettzky B final after defeating the Blues 8-3. It was the team’s second trophy win. Hockey action started on Thursday, August 7 and continued over four days culminating in the two finals Sunday afternoon. There were 12 teams that hit the ice over that time to play hard for the championships. But having fun and enjoying the competition for its own sake was
PHOTO COURTESY BRANDI BIRD. This year’s winners of the B Final in the Brettzky’s Hockey Challenge included the following Ribstone players (not in order): Michael Pasemko, Adam Child, Stewart Kohnen, Travis Child, Duane Sutter, Merrick Sutter, Alex Andrukow, Preston Amundson, Tyler Amundson, Robbie Amundson, Eric Hafso, Travis Mitchell, Carson Stadnyk and Brett Sutter.
also part of the mix for this tournament. Division 1’s roster included the teams of Ribstones, Blades, Thunder, Blues, Colony and Icons. Division 2 roster included The Club, Wildrose, Men with Wood, Gassed Kings, Wieners and Mohawks. A new event this year was the Skills Competition on Friday night where players put their skills to the test in various categories: Fastest Skater, Accuracy Shooting, Hardest Shot, Goalie Shooting, Breakaway, and Puck Handling Relay Competitions. “The skills competition was awesome, very entertaining,” posted Jeff Bird. “Duke, the voice of the Gas Kings, might have to announce for the Lightning this year. Great job to everyone who put it together.” Brettzky is a fundraiser started in 2015 by Brett Sutter, part of the Sutter family hockey legacy originally from Viking, who currently plays for the Calgary Wranglers in the AHL At Brettzky he played for the B Final champions Ribstones. “The Brettzky week consisted of a successful and sold out four-day Brettzky Hockey Camp followed by the four-day Brettzky’s Hockey Challenge.,” explained Ritchie. “All the money raised in the
Brettzky’s Hockey Challenge goes directly to organizations involved in youth sports and activities and organizations who contribute to the wellness of Viking.” This year the traditional banquet for players, families, sponsors and volunteers was held Saturday night at the Viking Multiplex. The event is also a key fundraiser which includes a live/silent auction that features hockey memorabilia contributed by NHL stars, trips as well as donations of items from supportive local businesses. After the auction, a public dance with entertainer Jaime Woodfin rounded out the evening. The event also featured a beer gardens, activities at the Kids Play Centre; and specials at local hospitality establishments. “The Brettzky Organizing committee would like to thank the Viking community for continuing to support the Brettzky by volunteering, sponsoring, attending, and purchasing 50/50s and merchandise,” said Ritchie. He said that plans are already underway for the next Brettzky’s Hockey Challenge, adding: “Mark your calendars for August 8-11, 2024.”