Novice Chinooks host 2014 tournament

2014/15 Novice Chinooks
Joey Jackson photos and video

Joey Jackson, Sports

Pincher Creek was host to a Novice Hockey Tournament on the weekend of November 28 - 30th in the MCC arena and were excited to be playing teams who don't usually play south of the Calgary area. It gave the kids a chance to go up against some new teams and new faces. The Novice Chinooks were able to fare pretty well against the tougher higher-tier city teams going 1-2 and the games they didn't win were kept close, won by only a few goals. Jamie Anderson, a group of parents, and some volunteers were responsible for putting together the 3 day event, and they emphasized the importance of teamwork, communication, and help from sponsors to get the tournament organized and on track.

Chinooks Head Coach Cory Anderson was very happy with his team throughout the tournament, saying  “I'm impressed with the teams passing and defence against the stronger tier 2 teams” and that “ The kids enjoy getting to play all new teams that they haven't faced before”. All the kids were happy at the end of the day getting medals, skate towels, and toques provided by sponsors. One teammate, Josie Waterchief Wales, was unfortunately stuck in Brocket by the blizzard that hit the town a few days prior. Zack Haan was in net for the Chinooks and was great all weekend long, making some good saves, and was only 3 minutes away from posting a shutout in the last game of the tournament. Jaydon Draper led his team in goals for the tournament but the team as a whole played well defensively and offensively.

Chinook Walker Anderson celebrates a goal

Playing the sport is one thing and setting it up is another. Contacting the teams as early as the beginning of October, Jamie Anderson and her team of parents were able to organize the game times, the medals, concession, and many other things that all come together to have a good tournament. They also had a raffle table where each family of every team brought one item to be raffled off during the tournament, including toys, sticks and some autographed pictures from the NHL.

Chinook Carter North Peigan rushes the net

Despite bad weather the teams from around Calgary still managed to make the trek down to Pincher to participate in the tournament. Not only did the surprise blizzard delay saturdays games but so did some Zamboni troubles, that set back the schedule about 45 minutes the arena staff was able to get everything running smoothly again.

Coaches, players and parents all said that they can't wait until they can set up another tournament like this one with how much fun with kids had, but hopefully next time the roads won't have as much snow on them.

The tournament consisted of 12 games total.  It was decided to forego having first, second, and third place winners, with each player instead receiving a participation medal at the conclusion of their games on Sunday.  Each team was guaranteed three games throughout the tournament.

Tournament medal

Participating teams included:

• Pincher Creek Chinooks
• Bow Valley Flames 
• Southland Assassins
• Midnapore Mavericks 2
• Midnapore Mavericks 6
• Shaw Meadows 
• Springbank Snipers
• Lake Bonavista Breakers