The Thompson Cariboo Minor Hockey Association (TCMHA) held another successful tournament over the weekend of March 17 to 19, when it hosted the Okanagan Mainline Amateur Hockey Association’s Atom (age 9 and 10) District Championship.
Five teams—from Logan Lake, Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, and the North Okanagan—joined the Ashcroft Warriors in a spirited tournament that saw the hosts finish off with a 9–2 loss to the Kamloops Snipers. The game was close until midway through the third period, with Warriors goaltender Aiden Hiltz making some solid saves early on to keep his team in it.
The champions were the Kelowna Devils, who defeated the Logan Lake Blazers 6–2 to take the title. A good crowd was on hand to cheer on all the teams throughout the weekend. TCMHA president Lewis Kinvig said it had been a really good tournament. “It was really positive. Our team never gave up and they worked hard, and the other teams were good sportsmen and very respectful. It was a good experience for the kids.”
Kinvig notes that the tournament is a good fundraiser for the TCMHA, with the raffle prizes (all of which were donated) and the concession bringing in revenue. He adds, however, that it is also good for the local economy. “It makes some money for the association, but it’s also good for our communities. It’s a positive way to bring people into town.”
Ashcroft Warriors goalie Aiden Hiltz stares down an opponent from Kamloops. Photo by Barbara Roden.