The western regional championship tournament in Warman last weekend showed that the skill level of Saskatchewan U18AAA hockey players is as good, or better, than anywhere else in the country, according to Dave Dyck, co-chair of the tournament organizing committee.
“The level of hockey was phenomenal,” said Dyck. “It’s interesting to see that the two Saskatchewan teams were stronger than the other two from Manitoba and northern Ontario. A lot of people weren’t surprised to see the Saskatoon Blazers and Warman Wildcats in the final.”
Dyck said the tournament saw about 8,000 people pass through doors at the Warman Home Centre Communiplex for the four-day tournament April 6-9. The Wildcats played host to the Saskatchewan U18AAA champions Saskatoon Blazers, Manitoba U18AAA champions Winnipeg Wild and northern Ontario U18AAA champions Thunder Bay Kings, with the winner moving on to compete at the national U18AAA championship tournament in Quebec in late April.
Dyck said in addition to great hockey, the tournament highlighted Saskatchewan’s Indigenous culture, with special appearances by NHL legend Reggie Leach, Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Marc Arcand, Cree-language anthem singers Mark Okihcihtaw and Falynn Baptiste, and presentations to each team captain by Carlin Nordstrom and Lillian Denton of star blankets created by Jessica Moore.
“The crowds have been good,” said Dyck, “although the Saskatoon Blades’ playoff series against Regina drew quite a few spectators that otherwise would have been here. But overall, it met our expectations and we’re really pleased with the attendance.”
Dyck said the Blazers were favoured to capture the tournament title.
“They’re a dominant team,” he said. “The Wildcats have played them hard every game, and it’s been close, but the Blazers are definitely a very talented, skilled, determined team, and they’ll represent Saskatchewan well at the national championship.”
Dyck said the volunteers, sponsors and others involved in organizing the tournament deserve a pat on the back for their hard work, adding visitors were extremely impressed with the facilities in Warman.
“A lot of teams would love to have the kind of facility we have here,” said Dyck.