For the third time in 30 years, Powell River has been chosen to host a provincial minor hockey championship. The 2017 Bantam Tier 2 Provincial Championships will take over Hap Parker Arena from March 18 to 22.
More than 200 players from nine, or possibly 10, BC Hockey districts around the province will compete and bring their parents and other family members and friends along.
According to local organizers, a limited number of communities are willing to apply for staging such an event. Powell River Minor Hockey believed it could pull it off and, after submitting a bid, was awarded the tournament.
“It’s huge for the community,” said Lisanne English, who, along with Scott Mastrodonato, is a co-chair for the event.
“We knew we had the experience to organize an event and put on a good show,” said Mastrodonato. “It’s a bit of luck of the draw sometimes, but in the end it’s very exciting to be able to host it, and also for the kids involved to play in it.”
As host team, Powell River Bantam Rep Town Centre Kings receive an automatic bye into the tournament, but, due to its competitiveness, the team may not have needed the free pass, said Mastrodonato.
“By the end of February they may very well have qualified to make the tournament on their own, so we know they’re very competitive,” he said.
Having a team that can compete for the championship can also determine the timing of a host city’s submission, said Mastrodonato.
Whether the team can actually win the title is now up to the Bantam Kings players and their head coach, Andy Welsh.
The organizing committee has been busy ensuring the rinks at Powell River Recreation Complex are available and accommodation for visitors will not be a problem.
“It will be a busy week of hockey; there will be a lot of buzz in town,” said English. “It’s great for Powell River, for Powell River Minor Hockey, the people who are coming and the businesses, hotels and restaurants.”
Powell River is well known for its ability to manage large, volunteer-driven events and the organizing committee for the bantam provincials is no exception, said Mastrodonato.
“Some of us have put on provincial and national championships at the senior level, and pulled it off at the minor hockey level as well,” he said.
The last time the bantam championship was held in Powell River was 2009. According to Mastrodonato, it was a great tournament.
“People from around the community, players who participated and especially our local kids who are now around 22 years old, they look back at their memories of minor hockey and that particular week and it probably stands out as one of their favourite times,” he said.
Mastrodonato added that when an opportunity comes to bid for an event such as this, and a group of people is ready to do whatever it takes to make it happen, it is pretty hard to say no.
Having secured the facilities and accommodation, the organizing committee is now soliciting sponsorships and hoping the weather will cooperate and not interfere with ferry schedules.
“The beauty of Powell River,” said English, “is that people step up and realize the importance for the kids and the importance for the community.”
