Innisfail Minor Hockey recently held their annual atom tournament at the twin arena.
"Each team is guaranteed three games so they have a chance to play lots of hockey,î said Jaclyn Wright, co-cordinator of the tournament. "They also get to compete against teams that they wouldn't normally play in their league in the regular season. We play in the CAHL league and all the teams (in the tournament are from different leagues,î she added.
The two-day tournament was held Dec.12 and 13 in Innisfail and showcased six teams from around the region including those from Blackfalds, Rimbey, Strathmore, Glenlake, Sylvan Lake and Innisfail.
The Innisfail Atom Flyers made it all the way to the semi-final noted Wright, and although the host team didn't win the annual tournament, it was a great success in many regards.
"We won our pool, then played against Rimbey in the semi-finals and they beat us,î said Wright. "We use the tournament as a fundraiser for the team. The money raised goes back towards (minor hockey and) other tournaments.î
Wright said that every hockey team holds and annual tournament and this year's atom tournament had a great turn out with family members and friends cheering on the local team.
"There were lots of grandparents and parents coming out to support their favourite players,î she said. "The kids love these annual tournaments.î
Wright said although they don't have final figures yet, the tournament raises a decent amount of money for minor hockey every year, and this year they decided to do something different.
"Each team was asked to bring in as much food as they could and whoever had the most weight (in food) were given a pizza party from Boston Pizza in town,î said Wright, noting that about 1,360 pounds of food was raised for the Innisfail and District Food Bank.
"I think it's good. Minor hockey receives so much from the community that it's nice to give back to the community too,î she said, noting the positive feedback from the Innisfail players and all participants.
Despite losing in the semi-finals, Wright noted the great effort put forth by everyone and the contributions the atom team made to the community.
"They're a great group of kids and great coaches too,î said Wright. "It was a great experience for them.î
