RED DEER – More than 40 tournaments are scheduled across Alberta this weekend, and hosts are ensuring participants have the opportunity to pay their respects on Remembrance Day, and throughout the weekend.
Many tournament hosts are ensuring that poppy stickers are placed on each player’s helmet for the duration of the tournament as well as a moment of silence taking place at 11 am on Saturday, November 11.
Olds Minor Hockey is hosting its U13 Ice Showdown Tournament, and the organizing committee is collaborating with the local Royal Canadian Legion as part of the commitment to honouring the veterans.
“In support of the Legion’s cause, poppy sales are being facilitated on their behalf. A poignant tribute is planned for November 11th, where a moment of silence will be observed across all ice surfaces, accompanied by the solemn notes of the Last Post,” said Heather Boone, Olds Minor Hockey U13 Coordinator. “Additionally, special recognition of the veterans is included in our programs, which will be distributed to more than 190 players and their families, emphasizing the significance of remembrance and gratitude for the sacrifices made. This commemorative event stands as a heartfelt tribute to our Canadian veterans, honouring their courage, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment to our country.”
Strathmore Minor Hockey is also hosting a U13 tournament with games in Strathmore, Standard and Gleichen.
“We are lucky to have the support of the Strathmore Legion, who graciously donated over 400 poppy stickers for each player to wear on their helmets through the tournament and beyond,” said Kendra Milne, tournament coordinator for Strathmore Minor Hockey Association Tournament Coordinator.
In addition to the poppy stickers and a moment of silence, the U13 Indus Hurricanes are going the extra mile to honour the veterans.
“We’re holding a Veterans food bank challenge,” said Jayme McHattie, Manager of the U13 club. “The team that brings the most items of food will win a prize for the team.”
Tournaments in Millet and High Country will have poems read once their moment of silence concludes. In High Country, there will be a bagpiper performing a traditional song.
In Taber, in addition to honouring Remembrance Day, teams will partake in a Memorial tournament for Rowan Beckie, a U13 player who passed away in February.
“We are having a moment of silence after the Act of Remembrance is read for Remembrance Day,” said Melanie Jespersen, Taber tournament organizer. “We want to show our respect for our veterans and all they have done for our country. We are balancing that with honouring our lost teammate and friend. So we have two very focuses and we will do our best to honour them both.”
In honour of Remembrance Day, please check out previous stories:
Honouring the Human Behind the Uniform
https://www.hockeyalberta.ca/news/112021/honouring-human-behind-uniform-1470/
Lest We Forget
https://www.hockeyalberta.ca/news/112020/lest-we-forget-1281/