The venue for the street hockey tournament being held next week has changed from Kitamaat Village to Riverlodge Rec Centre.
The venue changed on Friday, August 9, following a death in the village – out of respect, the organizers moved the tournament to Kitimat.
The tournament will now take place on Wednesday, August 14, in the parking lot at Riverlodge Rec Centre. Should the weather be poor, the tournament will move indoors.
Due to the change of venue the tournament has been reduced to two age groups, for kids 6 to 8, and 9 to 12.
Tournament organizer Adrian Mercer said hockey greats Peter Leech, Bryan Trottier and Gino Odjick will be at Riverlodge on Wednesday at 9 a.m. to meet the players, after which the tournament will start at 10 a.m.
Lunch will be provided for the teams and the last game will end at 4 p.m., followed by a dinner at 5 p.m. consisting of delicious pots of feast stew, sandwiches and pizza. Anyone wanting to join in the dinner is asked to bring a bowl and utensils for the stew.
“If the players have helmets, gloves and shin guards, we would like to recommend that they bring their gear with. However, safety gear is not mandatory,” said Mercer.
No experience is necessary and teams should have a minimum of six players and a maximum of 12, not including the goalie.
Games will have 3 to 7 minute periods with 3-minute breaks in between periods.
Mercer said if anyone interested in playing can’t find a team to join, they are welcome to contact him for placement.
The tournament is open to anyone and hockey sticks will be provided.
Registration is essential and closes on Monday, August 12, at noon. To sign up, contact Mercer at amercer@haisla.ca or by calling 250-639-9361 ext 365.
Entry to the tournament is free and is being sponsored by the Haisla Nation Council, LNG Canada, Haisea Marine, ESS Compass Group Canada and Superior Propane.
