By Bryan Eneas

PAGC Youth Hockey Cup celebrates a successful first tournament

Feb 23, 2017 | 1:18 PM

Youth from across north-central Saskatchewan are lacing up their skates to compete in a new hockey tournament.

The Dave Steuart, East End and Buckland arenas were filled this week as the Prince Albert Grand Council’s Youth Hockey Cup kicked off in its inaugural year.

Calla Moore, from the Waterhen Lake First Nation brought her son Beaudre LaRocque to the hockey cup to represent his community. She said LaRocque also plays for the North Battleford Peewee AA Barons.

She said sport is important for youth, as it’s a source of pride, a way to travel to new places and, above all, an important learning experience.

“Being on a team, and being a coachable kid, it’s a big deal,” Moore said. “The un-coachable kids are where we find trouble… I think this is a good opportunity for these kids.”

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Moore said being a hockey parent makes her a busy mom.

“You’re on the road all the time,” she said laughing. “I think I’ve stayed in a hotel more than I’ve stayed at home. [It’s] very expensive but it’s okay. They’re only young once… It won’t last forever.”

Moore encourages her son to help others excel because he’s been very fortunate in his life. She said his community has supported him, so he should pay the favour back. One way the family does this is by providing for those who may not be able to afford the best gear.

“Usually we come to a tournament and all his small stuff we give to these guys, to the boys back home,” Moore said. “It’s something to give back, you know?”

Winning teams received a jacket, along with a trophy and a gold medal. Second place teams brought home brand new hockey bags with medals, and third place teams earned hooded sweaters and bronze medals.

Looking ahead

According to Alphie Dorion, who co-ordinated the tournament along with Korey Diehl and Tammy McKenzie, the tournament is also beneficial to the city of Prince Albert. With 34 teams coming from as far as Fond du Lac to compete, services like hotels and restaurants see a boost in revenue.

Diehl said the tournament was such a success, parents are already asking about next year’s. The divisions will be expanded from 10 to 15 teams, and he’s looking at using the Art Hauser Center and the Kinsmen arenas in Prince Albert. This year’s tournament saw teams up to the peewee level participate, while next year the bantam aged teams will also be invited.

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas