The Timber Baron Old Timers tournament hosted a record number of teams from the northwest last weekend at the sportsplex, Jan. 28-30.
A total 33 games were played by 21 teams in what tournament chairman, Steve Smyth, is calling a very successful weekend for the 34th year of the annual tournament.
“It is one of the oldest tournaments going, and the addition of the ladies division has made it one of the biggest tournaments in northern B.C.,” said Smyth.
The tournament is scored on a point system to de-emphasize competition and encourage fun.
In addition to earning points for a win, teams are given points for each period win as well as the lowest number of penalty minutes.
By this structure it is possible for a team to win its category without winning the most number of games.
“Basically it makes it a little more interesting, a little more exciting, and helps keep the penalty minutes down, which is important,” Smyth said, adding it keeps all of the teams involved until the very end of the tournament.
Category winners are:
Ladies division – the Rupert Raiders
Mens competitive B division – the Kitimat JHW
Mens semi-competitive C division – the Terrace SRD Blues
50 plus division – the Kitimat 50
Smyth said support received from the rink staff as well as local businesses was amazing.
Prizes will be given out in a draw-type method, with the teams with the most amount of over-all points receiving the most ballots for the draw.
“We had some laughs, and a lot of company,” Smyth said. “Which is what Old Timers Hockey is supposed to be about.”