A field of ten men’s teams and four women’s teams took to the floor of Wakas Hall last weekend for a floor hockey tournament in commemoration of Tom Joseph and Gil Walkus Jr.
The tournament took place over three days and featured kids’ exhibitions and oldtimers games in addition to tournament play. The men lined up in two divisions with one women’s division, each competing in a round-robin format league to determine standing for Sunday’s playoffs.
Prizes were sponsored by local business and individuals, and presented to the winning teams, along with team all-stars, tourney MVP’s, top players in each position, as well as the most sportman-like players and teams.
In the women’s playoffs, Gil’s Girls beat out the G&N Memorial team 7-1 to win, with Herbert Johnny Memorial in third and Faith Inspiration picking up the most sportsmanlike award. MVP in the women’s division went to Courtney Walkus of Gil’s Girls, who scored 10 goals and four assists in the playoffs.
Gil’s Girls dedicated their win to the memory of Gil Walkus Jr.
In the men’s divisions, Roaches and Storm went through from Gil’s Division to the playoffs, while Regulators and Gil’s Guys went through from Tom’s Division.
Regulators and Roaches progressed to face off in the men’s final, Regulators winning 7-6 at the whistle. Storm beat Gil’s Guys in the consolation game and the Bull Harbour Bulls took the most sportsman-like award.
MVP for the men was Regulators’ Corey Swain, who scored twice and assisted on six others during the playoffs.
The organizers said the event was in memory of Gil Walkus Jr. and Tom Walkus who both passed suddenly. They hoped that the event would let the community remember them and give the family a chance to heal.
