The old saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" rings true for P.E.I.'s major minor hockey tournament.
The Spud AAA Minor Hockey Tournament wrapped up Sunday after keeping Island rinks from Crapaud to Pownal packed for four days.
In total, 74 teams, ranging from novice to midget, from across the Maritimes participated in the 40-year-old tournament.
"It's a big tournament for most of these teams. It's one of the largest in Atlantic Canada," said co-chairman Andrew Hall, noting two-thirds of the players are from off-Island. "We put a lot of effort into the hospitality part of it. Making people feel welcome, we try and give them a fair view of the different venues and put quite a bit of effort into the schedule."
Derek Cormier and his son Cole, of the Dieppe peewee AAA Eagles, were two from out of province that felt at home during the weekend.
While the team lost in their division's championship game, Derek, who also coaches the team, said the tournament provided players with a great experience.
"You want to be the winner of it all but, at the same time, the boys had a great weekend and it was a lot of fun," he said. "It's a very well-run tournament, you have a bunch of different rinks going and everything is well organized and running smoothly."
For Cole, a right-winger, taking home a silver medal was second place to travelling with his teammates and seeing some other familiar faces.
"A lot of my friends are playing here, it's been pretty good," he said.
Participating in the tournament is a highlight of the season, even for Island players and their families.
Self-described hockey mom Nicole Tremere, of Cornwall, was one of many rooting on the Mid-Isle Matrix in Sunday afternoon's atom AAA showdown.
"It is a big deal (for the players) and it's a lot of fun," said Tremere, who along with a group of about 10 other parents helped cheer the team to a 4-2 victory.
Hall said the tournament has seen few changes over the years and is made possible largely through the many volunteers that help out.
"We've got a method that we follow, and it all goes pretty smoothly," he said.
While there was no medal presentation, the city itself was also a winner from the tournament.
The estimated economic spin-off has been pegged at an average of $2 million every year.
"It's a big revenue generator," said Hall. "I would think every family would spend $500 to $1,000 while they're here."
The old saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" rings true for P.E.I.'s major minor hockey tournament.
The Spud AAA Minor Hockey Tournament wrapped up Sunday after keeping Island rinks from Crapaud to Pownal packed for four days.
In total, 74 teams, ranging from novice to midget, from across the Maritimes participated in the 40-year-old tournament.
"It's a big tournament for most of these teams. It's one of the largest in Atlantic Canada," said co-chairman Andrew Hall, noting two-thirds of the players are from off-Island. "We put a lot of effort into the hospitality part of it. Making people feel welcome, we try and give them a fair view of the different venues and put quite a bit of effort into the schedule."
Derek Cormier and his son Cole, of the Dieppe peewee AAA Eagles, were two from out of province that felt at home during the weekend.
While the team lost in their division's championship game, Derek, who also coaches the team, said the tournament provided players with a great experience.
"You want to be the winner of it all but, at the same time, the boys had a great weekend and it was a lot of fun," he said. "It's a very well-run tournament, you have a bunch of different rinks going and everything is well organized and running smoothly."
For Cole, a right-winger, taking home a silver medal was second place to travelling with his teammates and seeing some other familiar faces.
"A lot of my friends are playing here, it's been pretty good," he said.
Participating in the tournament is a highlight of the season, even for Island players and their families.
Self-described hockey mom Nicole Tremere, of Cornwall, was one of many rooting on the Mid-Isle Matrix in Sunday afternoon's atom AAA showdown.
"It is a big deal (for the players) and it's a lot of fun," said Tremere, who along with a group of about 10 other parents helped cheer the team to a 4-2 victory.
Hall said the tournament has seen few changes over the years and is made possible largely through the many volunteers that help out.
"We've got a method that we follow, and it all goes pretty smoothly," he said.
While there was no medal presentation, the city itself was also a winner from the tournament.
The estimated economic spin-off has been pegged at an average of $2 million every year.
"It's a big revenue generator," said Hall. "I would think every family would spend $500 to $1,000 while they're here."