DEBERT, N.S. – Rinks in Debert and Brookfield will be a hive of activity this weekend for the fourth annual Wilsons Home Heating Spring Thaw female minor hockey tournament.
The West Colchester United Arena and Don Henderson Memorial Sportsplex will host the four-day event, which gets underway Thursday in Debert.
The tournament has grown exponentially over the years, and this year will feature 28 teams competing in six divisions.
“We started with eight teams at the bantam level four years ago and it’s grown every year,” said tournament chairman Lowell Sherry. “Really, the biggest limitation is ice time. We are tapped right out between those two rinks.”
Championship banners will be contested for in novice, atom A, peewee A, bantam A, midget A and midget AA divisions. The host Colchester Cyclones will ice teams in the novice, atom A, peewee A and midget AA divisions.
Wilsons Home Heating has sponsored the Cyclones program for the past three seasons and is thrilled to have its name attached to the tournament.
“Wilsons saw an opportunity to give back to the community and at the same time create five female hockey teams, and I’ll tell you, it’s been an amazing relationship – it truly has; it’s been great,” said Doug MacInnes, sales manager at Wilsons. “The young ladies and their families certainly appreciate it and we appreciate having the opportunity to sponsor them.”
Opening ceremonies will be held in Debert on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Championship games will be played on Sunday in Debert at 9 a.m. (atom), 10:30 a.m. (peewee), noon (bantam), 1:30 p.m. (midget A) and 3 p.m. (midget AA).
Boston Pizza is a major sponsor of the tournament.
All funds raised from event go to the Colchester Cyclones female program.
