By Jeremy Fraser
March 27, 2015
The Vince Ryan Memorial Hockey Tournament may not be taking place in New Waterford this season, but that isn't stopping local teams from participating in the annual tournament.
Four teams from the New Waterford and surrounding area will hit the ice at this year's tournament, which got underway yesterday, Thursday, across the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
New Waterford will be represented by three male teams, the New Waterford Friday Nights, Lingan ERT and the May Street Buddies. The Flavour Bombs, a female team from town, will also take part in the tournament.
The tournament is a great way to end the hockey season, said Steve Grace, member of the Friday Nights.
"The friendly competition and sportsmanship makes the tournament both fun and competitive at the same time. Our team always has a lot of laughs both on and off the ice."
The Friday Nights opened the tournament last night against the Mira Road Old-timers at the Centennial Arena in Sydney. Score results were not available at press time.
The team will continue the tournament today, Friday, at 8:45 p.m. against the Sunday Centennials at Centre 200, before wrapping up the round robin on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. against Lobsters 'R' Us, also at Centre 200.
For the first time in a number of years, the New Waterford & District Community Centre will not participate in the tournament. The rink isn't the only venue from last year's tournament not participating this year. The Dan K Stevens Memorial Arena in Eskasoni will also not ice the event.
Richie Warren, chairman of the Vince Ryan Memorial Hockey Tournament, believes the reason the decision was made was because of the lack of ice rentals between the completion of minor hockey and the tournament.
"It's a tough decision, but It's understandable."
The rink not having the tournament this year is upsetting to teams from town, said Grace.
"Our biggest disappointment as a team from New Waterford is that we will be playing our games out of town. Not having our own arena being part of the tournament is frustrating.
"We have always enjoyed playing in our own barn over the years as it makes it easier for our family and friends to come out to see our games. We are hoping our arena will part of the tournament in future years."
Luke Pasher will take part in the tournament with the May Street Buddies. He said his team enjoys playing in the annual event.
"It's a big tournament with lots of teams from away, which let's us play some competitive men's hockey."
Pasher said the team joins each year as a yearly tradition.
"The tournament has been going on since all of us were kids. It's great to be able to be part of it."
The May Street Buddies opened the tournament yesterday, Thursday, against the Fuzzy Puckers at the Whitney Pier Rink. As of press time, score results were not available.
The team will continue the tournament today, Friday, at 3:45 p.m. against Doug Beresford Memorial at the Bayplex, before finishing the round robin at 11 a.m. on Saturday against The Bandits, also at the Bayplex.
This year's tournament has seen a decrease in the number of teams participating from previous years. The 26th annual tournament will see 116 teams participate. That's down 14 teams from the 130 teams who were registered for last year's tournament.
It's unfortunate to see a decrease in the number of teams participating this year, said Grace.
"It is disappointing that the numbers have dropped."
Warren had a special message to the teams participating this year.
"I would like to wish all teams the best of luck at this year's tournament."
To see full Vince Ryan Memorial Hockey Tournament schedule, visit their website, www.vinceryan.ca.
Angus Rankin drops the puck during a Vince Ryan Memorial Hockey Tournament game between the Lingan ERT and the Donkin Fire Department during the 24th annual tournament at the New Waterford & District Community Centre in March 2013. The Vince Ryan Memorial Hockey Tournament will not be played in New Waterford this year. Photo by Jeremy Fraser - New Waterford Community Press.
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