The Vaive family created a hockey tournament 40 years ago that continues to attract some of the Maritimes’ top players to Prince Edward Island.
The Spud AAA Minor Hockey Tournament begins today at 4 p.m.
“They started it as an opportunity to showcase AAA level hockey in Atlantic Canada and 40 years later it’s still going strong,” said Bruce Donaldson, who is co-chairman of the organizing committee with Andrew Hall.
This year there are 74 teams participating from novice to midget.
“For me probably the highlight of the weekend is the novice final,” Donaldson said.
“To me it’s the showcase.”
The novice division is comprised fully of Island-based team with the final traditionally drawing great crowds, Donaldson said.
Some of the Island’s top players have participated in the tournament, including Brad Richards and Adam McQuaid, UPEI Panthers like Jordan Knox, Matt Boyle and Cole MacMillan. NHL superstar Sidney Crosby also played in the event years ago.
Donaldson doesn’t hesitate when asked how the tournament has been able to keep operating for 40 years.
“The amount of volunteers and the commitment that these folks have to keep this tournament going is great to see and very rewarding,” he said. “There’s a lot of work involved in pulling it off year after year.”
Donaldson said it is great for the players to have a tournament to look forward to and it has an economic impact on the community.
“For the last week of January it’s great to have. The hotels are full and the restaurants certainly do a nice business,” he said. “It’s important, I think, to the Island and to the community.”
Spud AAA Minor Hockey Tournament
What – A AAA tournament
When – Today through Sunday.
Where – Rinks from Crapaud to Pownal.
Who – A total of 74 teams in five divisions from novice to midget. Teams are from across the Maritimes are participating.
Spud reunion – To celebrate the tournament’s 40 anniversary a reunion has been organized for Friday at 7 p.m. at the P.E.I. Brewing Company. Tickets are $10 and are available at P.E.I. Brewing Company or from Charlottetown peewee AAA parents.
Pancakes – A pancake and sausage breakfast open to participants and the public will be held Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. at CARI Sports Complex (entrance to the Senior's Active Living Centre near the main gate). Admission is by donation.
Online – http://spud.goalline.ca/
