The community has shown once again that it can pull off hosting a major event that not only showcased Sundre's hockey program but the community as well.
Sundre played host to the 2013 Investors Group Atom C provincials March 14 - 17 that crowned the hometown Atom A Huskies provincial champions.
A Sundre Minor Hockey Association (SMHA) official said there were many reasons the association put in its bid last fall to be a host community for one of the 42 provincial championship tournaments in 2013.
ìHosting the provincial tournament not only allows us to share the talent in our small town with the entire province, but also showcases our mandate, our community and our town spirit,î said Jody Layden, SMHA registrar and tournament co-organizer.
It took four months, many sponsors and partners from the community and beyond, as well as over 100 volunteers to plan for and carry out hosting duties.
There were 171 players and 40 coaching staff on the rosters of the eight teams hailing from Sundre, Rimbey, Kitscoty, Foremost, Beiseker, Beaverlodge, Barrhead, and Tofield.
Sundre chamber of commerce president Marty Mennear said any time an event can draw people into the community, there's potential for an economic boon.
ìPeople are seeing what our town has to offer and maybe they'll come back,î he said.
He expected the event itself to have a big impact on businesses in Sundre.
ìThe spinoffs from an event like that I think, is mostly retail,î he said.
Lodging, he said, may have been difficult with the new hotel on the town's east side not yet open.
SMHA assisted teams in accommodation bookings and pre-booking blocks of rooms to ensure availability for the tournament. Teams stayed in Sundre, Olds and Innisfail.
Aside from the tournament itself, SMHA co-ordinated a number of activities in conjunction with the on-ice action.
Opening ceremonies were held last Thursday, followed by a dinner attended by 450 players, coaches, managers, guests, VIPs, sponsors and committee members.
The minor hockey association partnered with other non-profit groups and fundraisers to create opportunities for guests all around Sundre, said Layden.
Greenwood Neighborhood Place, the River Valley School Grade 7 Central Canada Trip students, and area 4-H clubs worked with the SMHA towards a successful weekend.
A scavenger hunt was organized with the intention of exposing the teams to different places in town such as the library, museum and Aquaplex.
Layden said the organizers' vision for this tournament was a festival atmosphere that integrated community members with all of the hockey teams.
ìOur greatest wish was to see our neighbors sitting beside new hockey friends at games and community events such as the pancake breakfast, fireworks or the matinee,î Layden said.
The host committee and the association have benefitted tremendously from the support of community sponsors.
ìLarge and small - the donations, volunteer hours, prize items and in-kind items have been key contributors to the success of this tournament,î Layden said.
There is no cost to host the tournament from Hockey Alberta, however Layden said host committees are responsible for all ice fees, facility rentals, player hospitality, opening ceremonies and banquet costs.
All jobs from chairing committees to tidying up after a very busy day and everything in between are covered by volunteers, she said.
ìCountless hours have been committed to making this weekend run smoothly. Without our volunteers, we would not be hosting this amazing event,î she said.
