How do you stir the local economy in a big way at this time of the year, beyond the holiday shopping and eating? How about attracting over 140 out-of-town teams to the city to participate in three tournaments over a 14-day stretch?
That’s what Richmond Minor and Seafair hockey associations are pulling off during the Christmas season thanks to a tremendous group of volunteers.
The tournament frenzy started last weekend with the Marriott Winter Classic which featured 39 Bantam, Midget and Juvenile “C” teams.
Next up is the massive 37th annual Richmond International Bantam Midget Tournament which gets underway on Tuesday. Richmond Minor’s showcase event only keeps growing with 75 teams slated to participate in six different divisions.
Among the entries, over 40 are from outside Metro Vancouver, resulting in a flurry of business for local hotels and restaurants. The Major Midget Division will once again feature the U16 Hungarian national team. A Boxing Day meeting with the Moose Jaw Generals at Minoru Arenas’ stadium rink at 7:15 p.m. follows the opening ceremonies.
The RIBMHT concludes with the six division finals on New Year’s Eve.
The minor hockey feast will then wrap up with the 16th annual Trail Appliances Hockey 1-4 Tournament, starting Jan. 5 at the Richmond Ice Centre.
This grassroots event features players as young as four playing their first-ever organized games in Hockey 1, up to eight-year-olds participating in Hockey 4. It is once again completely sold out with 47 teams, representing 10 minor hockey associations, slated to participate.
What makes this tournament unique is it always has been co-hosted by Richmond Minor and Seafair.
Next season, the two longtime rival associations will be merging as one and no doubt continuing this popular event.
Shawn Hill has been involved in the 1-4 Tournament for the past eight years and now serves as Seafair’s co-chair, along with Richmond Minor’s Wendy Strandt. He also sat on the merger committee and is part of the new executive that is already working on the inaugural 2018-19 season.
“One of the goals of this tournament when it first started 16 years ago was to bring the two associations together,” said Hill. I like to think that in some small way that has happened over time.
“Building bridges and building relationships that we are here for the community of Richmond and this tournament brings families together. We recognize people on the other side of the aisle are very similar to us. It’s cool.”
One of the event’s features is each player is presented an official tournament hoody. That’s 750 in total. Drinks and snacks are also provided after each game, along with other giveaways. There is a popular raffle for gift baskets thanks to generous donations from local businesses. Among them is Trail Appliances — now in their fourth year as title sponsor and proud to be involved in their hometown.
“Trail Appliances is committed to making a positive impact in the community through a variety of programs and initiatives. As a locally-owned, family-operated business, we feel it’s important and rewarding to stay connected with our neighbours and support the communities where we live, work and play,” said Trail Appliances president Jason Broderick.
“Trail Appliances and the Broderick family are pleased to support the annual RIC Hockey Tournament once again. As longtime Richmond residents, we – and now our children – have grown up playing and participating with Richmond’s minor hockey associations.
“The Richmond community has been very supportive of Trail Appliances over the years, and as we continue to grow, Trail is proud to give back in a way that is meaningful to us.”
The tournament will wrap up on Jan. 7.
