There are plenty of memorial hockey tournaments around, but nothing quite like the Cowichan Valley Minor Hockey Association’s Memorial Under 18 Tournament.
The tournament at Fuller Lake and Cowichan Community Centre Arenas honours not one, but seven different people simultaneously. All died under tragic circumstances over the years and bringing all the families together for one celebration of their loved ones has been a great comfort.
Kathy Irving of Chemainus has been the force behind the tournament from the beginning, along with her husband Dale and their good friends Kristen Arnold and Petra van Deventer. Kirstin Marshall has since come on board as well, but the volunteer component has unfortunately lagged far behind the necessary numbers to run it.
The tournament has captured attention from teams around the Island and Lower Mainland in that age group for 12 years, building more interest until COVID put a halt on the proceedings. Now it’s back at full strength, but not in terms of participating teams.
Last year’s entry of 15 has been pared to 10 for 2024 despite 30 applications. There’s only so much ice time for a tournament in one long weekend, but the formula for 15 seemed to work very well.
You can only get so big and that’s about the limit. But it’s a shame to see five other potential teams miss out on this opportunity because there aren’t enough people with time on their hands willing to lend a hand.
The tournament committee goes all out to make this a special experience. The giveaways to each of the participants and the keepsakes from the individual awards are unique.
It’s hard to please kids at this age group because, well, they’re older teenagers. But those who play in this tournament will never forget it and the tributes to the young people who died commands their respect.
There have been a scarce one or two on-ice incidents in all the years when that might not be the case in other tournaments without such a specific and heart-warming purpose.
All we can hope is more people with some free time to spare will step up and offer their services to maintain this very worthwhile endeavour to the highest standard.