Hockey Reigns Supreme in Viking

Hockey Reigns Supreme in Viking

Michelle Pinon New Advertiser

Nearly 250 of the youngest and brightest hockey players in the region participated in the Viking Gas King`s Invitational Tournament on January 11 at the Carena in Viking.

The 16 team day-long tournament went off with a hitch because of all the efforts of volunteers and financial support from sponsors who dedicated their time and resources to make the fun-filled affair a rousing success.

Tournament co-directors Brandi Bird and Laurel Weisgerber were very happy with how smoothly things went considering there were nearly 250 initiation players, between the ages of 4 and 6 years, along with their coaches, parents, grandparents, other family members and friends to accommodate.

Edmonton Oilers Mascot Hunter hams it up for the camera during the team photo.

“Last year there were eight or nine teams, and this year it jumped to 16,”said Weisgerber. There were 30 teams in total that had requested to participate in the tournament. Bird and Weisgerber began planning the tournament three months ago, and tried their best to match players and teams evenly. They were also very thankful to have the support of all the hockey parents who volunteered their time along the way and during the tournament.

Trevor Warawa with the Vegreville Wranglers team was happy their team was chosen to participate. He said it’s hard to find tournaments where the abilities and skills of the players are evenly matched. Warawa, whose two sons Benjamin and Jake play on the team, said the event was good exposure for the players who will be playing in their own home tournament on February 1.

Holden resident Kelsey Place came to support the home team and her nephew Easton Morken who plays for the Viking Gas Kings. A special moment came when Edmonton Oilers Mascot Hunter posed for a picture with Easton and her son Taylen.

In fact, Hunter was one of the biggest attractions of the tournament. The players loved his antics and were often seen following the mascot throughout the arena. The Indoor Activity Centre was also popular with the kids who stayed active between games.

Hockey Mom Melissa Olson thoroughly enjoyed watching her kids Kinslee and Gage, who both play for the Holden Oilers. “The kids are having fun and that`s the most important part at the end of the day.”

Tara Docksteader also loved watching her three boys Taylor, Tanner and Conley play. All three boys are members of the Viking Gas Kings.

It was unfortunate that Bird`s son Peyton couldn`t play in the tournament after breaking his arm over the Christmas holidays. Berkley Hafso was also out of the line up, but Bird was hopeful they would be able to participate in an upcoming tournament at Rogers Place.