Curling and Hockey

Mundare Curling Club Ladies Bonspiel Winners

A Event winners sponsored by Imagine Travel. Back Row L-R: Darlene Tratch, Candace Tratch, Jaime Kawalilak, Kim Burns and Cynthis Baxandall. Runners-Up - Front Row L-R: Kaitlynn Urichuk, Kailtin Kolotylo, Cassie Melenka and Candice Kropielnicki. (Mundare Curling Club/ Submitted Photo)

Andrew Ag. Society Hosts Memorial Hockey Tournament

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Families and friends enjoyed competition and comradery during the Andrew Agricultural Society’s 14th annual memorial tournament that was held from March 25-27 at the Andrew arena.

After a two year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions players and fans were happy to be back together and share in their love of the sport.

Andrew Ag Society President Carri Hrehorets spoke of the strong ties and tradition of the tournament and how family is at the heart of it all.

Around 200 people attended the banquet on Saturday which honoured former Ag Society volunteer members who have passed away. The 2022 honourees included: Wayne Demchuk, David

Markewich, Nick Melnyk, Iris Fedun, Allan Mulek, Cecil Campbell, AB Elkow, Maryann Hamaliuk and Norm Cote.

Back in 2009 the Ag Society honoured: Ron Spragg, Ken Gremm, Lee Hodge, Andrew Gorniuk, Mac and Ginny Danyluk, Al Miller, Ernie Tymchuk, Jeff Warawa, Dale Ostafichuk, Ruby Snyder and Gerald Witiuk.

Carri enjoyed watching her three sons Braden, Bryce and Breck out there on the ice and son Blaine coach behind the bench. She also enjoyed watching Mavin Kolotylo’s sons Brayden and Brylan play. Carri said Mavin is the Secretary of the Ag Society. Carri knows most of the players as they come from Vegreville, Andrew, Lamont, Two Hills and Smoky Lake.

Memorial Tournament championship winners, The Shemullets.

(Andrew Ag Society/Submitted Photo)

All of Carri’s children played minor hockey in Andrew, and she herself, took figure skating and power skating lessons in the arena that was built in 1972.

Alex Kitz grew up in the Two Hills area and remembers playing minor hockey games in Andrew, and said he’s made lifelong friends through the sport of hockey. This is the third year he’s played in the tournament and he continues to enjoy playing for the Two Hills Longhorns men’s team.

Andrew area resident Stan Zabrick hadn’t strapped on skates for 13 years, but said he did so because he wanted a chance to play with two of his four children, Evan and Jocelyn. His other son Caelan could not participate due to work commitments, but his other daughter Kirsten came to cheer them on. Unfortunately, Stan’s wife Kellie was sidelined at home. He was very happy and proud to say their team, the Raiders, won the C event final.

“The Andrew Agricultural Society has played an important part in our tiny village has positively impacted our community over the years. It is through individual efforts, whether it was donating labour and trade work, coaching, doing endless paperwork, or simply lending a hand at an event that has resulted in success through the years,” said Carri.

This year, the Ag Society will mark an important milestone in its history, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. It will be a great opportunity to reunite with others who have helped shape the Ag society and the community, added Carri. Several events have been planned for July 9 and 10. There will be action on the ball diamonds with the Slo-Pitch Tournament as well as a Farmers Market. As well, the Lamont County Emergency Services Andrew Fire District will be holding a pancake breakfast during the event.