Andrew Memorial Tournament a Heartwarming Affair

Andrew Memorial Tournament a Heartwarming Affair

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Players, fans and volunteers came together to make the Andrew Memorial Tournament a big success this past weekend. This year’s event was especially bittersweet for a couple of families whose loved ones were former members of the Andrew Raiders. AB Elkow and Brad Levicki were honoured by the team during the Opening Ceremonies Friday evening when their family members were presented with shadow boxes that contained personalized jerseys and photos of them. Both men played in the memorial tournament for years with the Raiders and made a huge impact both on and off the ice.

AB’s son David Elkow accepted the gift on behalf of his late father, and Brad’s parents Terry Levicki and Betty accepted the gift on his behalf. The presentation came as a total surprise and that it was a very emotional, yet heartwarming gesture on behalf of the team.

Back Row L-R: Darcy Levicki, Mike Levicki, Kyle Levicki and Ken Levicki. Front Row L-R: Betty and Terry Levicki.

(Andrew Ag Society/Photo)

Ag. Society President Carri Hrehorets said AB Elkow has a hockey history in Andrew of 50 years and played on the senior team for many years and then carried on with the Andrew Raiders. “He passed away from cancer a few years ago. He was a great volunteer and loved Andrew.” Terry was also surprised with a digital photo album that had been gifted by members of the Andrew Agricultural Society, an organization he’s been a member of for many decades. He is also the caretaker of the arena and can often been seen driving the Zamboni. Referring to a handful of ladies who put the photo album

together, Terry smiled wistfully and said, “Those girls are just wonderful. They put this book this book together. It’s such a wonderful memory.”

Terry said he felt the presence of his late son with him during the tournament. “Here’s here in spirit watching from the skybox.” Terry was happy to have his other son’s Mike and Ken, along with his nephews Kyle, Darcy and Dale playing on the Raiders team. His second cousin Andy Lamash played on the team as well as his second cousin Stan Zaprick’s children. He was also grateful for the support of his two brothers Len and Randy who came to watch the kids play.

From L-R: Carri Hrehorets, Brian Hrehorets and David Elkow.

(Andrew Ag Society/Photo)

Other players on the team and other teams also had many other familiar faces as most of them grew up together. Terry said quite a few are from the Lamont and Mundare areas. Walking past the shadow box hanging in the arena lobby, Terry said, it made him feel very proud. “I’m very proud of my boys and my nephews and my extended Ag Society family. There’s a lot of love and support. It’s heartwarming.”

Ag. Society President Carri Hrehorets said, “It was truly an amazing weekend to see so many people and watch them all have so much fun visiting and playing hockey in our arena that has so much history. Lots of tears, laughs and love shared. New memories were made and of course it isn’t possible without the help of all the volunteers. Looking forward to next year!”