MALLAIG – From March 28 to 31, the Mallaig Monarchs are set to host the U18 Tier 3 Hockey provincial tournament at the Mallaig arena.
Laurier Feland, chair of the tournament’s host committee, says it has been long overdue for Mallaig to host a provincial tournament, so they made the decision to proceed with a bit for this season. It has been several years since Mallaig last hosted a tournament in the U18 category.
“We think we have a pretty good team that has a good chance of winning this year,” adds Feland. “So, just to do something exciting and get everybody together in the community.”
Feland says community members are excited about the big weekend.
While the specific teams that will be playing are not yet set in stone as playdowns continue to take place, the host committee has been preparing and working to secure hotel rooms in Bonnyville and St. Paul.
The host committee is also thankful for the volunteers who have stepped up.
“Mostly hockey parents from other age groups will be helping out,” says Feland. Volunteer jobs will include running the concession, collecting entry fees, and selling programs for the weekend.
“We also have volunteers for the time clock, [a] PA announcer, penalty box, that kind of thing,” he says. There will also be volunteers who will assist arriving hockey teams in navigating the area, including recreation areas, restaurants, or the motels in St. Paul or Bonnyville.
Feland encourages everybody in the area to make the drive to Mallaig and offer their support.
“We understand... it’s the Easter Weekend,” he says. “But... we still encourage everybody to come out if they can and catch a game.”
He then thanked all the volunteers and business sponsors for their help so far.
“It takes a lot of resources,” to host an event as big as hockey provincials, acknowledges Feland.
