Minor hockey players from across St. Albert are getting set to lace up their skates for a marquee event.
The annual Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week tournament returns this month and kicked off at 4:15 p.m. on Jan. 10 and is running until Jan. 19. Teams from all over the Hockey Edmonton program take part in the tournament, and 72 teams from the St. Albert Minor Hockey Association (SAMHA) are also expected to participate.
Jane Sedo, executive director of the St. Albert Minor Hockey Association (SAMHA), said the organization is excited to continue its involvement in what will be the 61st rendition of the tournament.
"It's been a longstanding event in the hockey community for, I would imagine, close to 30 years at this point," Sedo said, referring to how long the SAMHA has been involved in the tournament.
According to its website, the SAMHA provides Hockey Edmonton with resources and volunteer help including:
- Around 100 hours of billable ice;
- Two arena managers over 10 days;
- 105 volunteers to sell admission buttons;
- Around 200 hours of volunteer referees;
- Timekeeper for every St. Albert home game, which will be approximately 80 games;
- Shift counter for every St. Albert game, which will be approximately 160 games.
Sedo said the tournament is special for players for a number of reasons, including a low-cost entry fee.
"I think it allows teams to participate in a tournament environment at a very low cost, so it provides access to the event at a low entry rate," she said. According to the website, the tournament fee for Minor Hockey Week is $150, set by Hockey Edmonton. "And because of the game format and tournament structure, it generally provides a very competitive and fun environment for the players after the holiday break."
Spectators will find some differences in this tournament from their standard league play. Games are shorter and played straight-time/running-time, meaning the clock doesn’t stop except in special circumstances. Penalties are also straight-time from the drop of the puck.
It will cost adult spectators five dollars for an admission button. The button will give you access to all Minor Hockey Week games, including those held at the Jarome Iginla and Kinex Arenas, and Servus Credit Union Place, which will be the two St. Albert arenas. The money from the tournament supports Hockey Edmonton programs.
Sedo said the players and SAMHA look forward to the tournament with great enthusiasm.
"It's always been a highlight for the year for the players as they look forward to it coming out of Christmas," she said.
Teams will play a minimum of two games. Win and they'll move on, lose and their time in the tournament is over. More information about the tournament, including the schedule and full list of teams, can be found on the Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week website.
