The Red Pheasant Rebals are looking to defend their championship win last year. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Local events

Sen’s Cup makes big return to Art Hauser Centre

Mar 29, 2019 | 12:57 PM

The pucks drop Friday afternoon for the fifth annual Senator’s Cup at the Art Hauser Centre, and organizers say it will be their biggest tournament to date.

Tami McKenzie, Sports, Culture and Recreation Coordinator for Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC), told paNOW in the past they have eight to 10 teams signed up.

“This year we have 12 teams and they are all really good, competitive teams,” she said.

McKenzie said the tournament helps celebrate and recognize the PAGC’s past and current senators. She added the tournament has also been a good springboard for the players.

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“Like last year Brady Keeper, who just played his first NHL game yesterday, was playing in the Sen’s Cup last year,” she said.

The tournament this year will feature a number of current NHL players including Ryan Pilon (New York Islanders), Darren Reid (Philadelphia Flyers), and DJ King (Washington Capitals). Prince Albert’s Reed Gunville, who is now playing for the University of Alberta – Augustana, is playing for Ile la Crosse.

“I think Midget would probably be my last game at the Art Hauser, so it’s nice that some family and friends can come and watch,” he said.

Reed is playing in his first Senator’s Cup this weekend. He said he was approached by several teams but took the first offer.

“I played in the Fred Sasakamoose tournament last year so I kind of got my name out there that way,” he said

Reed said the Senator”s Cup represents very competitive hockey and a chace to play with guys he would not normally get a chance to play against.

The Red Pheasant Rebels have won the tournament twice in the past four years. The winning team this year takes home a $20,000 prize.

Opening ceremonies for the tournament have been scheduled to start Saturday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. but the first games will start Friday afternoon at 3 p.m.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell@jpbg.ca