The Cowichan Valley Memorial Midget C Hockey Tournament has been cancelled again this year, Cowichan Valley Minor Hockey Association executive administrator Kathy Irving of Chemainus announced Friday.
The tournament, honouring local families impacted by the death of young family members over the years, was on the verge of celebrating its 10th anniversary when the onset of COVID forced its cancellation in March of 2020. It was also unable to go ahead in 2021.
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Fuller Lake Arena has been the main venue for games, with some also played at the Cowichan Community Centre. Organizers were hopeful this year’s event could be held and had done considerable advance planning, but the uncertainty of lingering Provincial Health Officer orders left them no choice but to cancel for the third straight year.
“We had 15 eager teams ready, willing and able to play but with the latest PHO extended to Feb. 15, we could not take a chance on the tournament permits being extended, too much ice, referees and hotel rooms to cancel,” noted Irving. “Nine of our teams ordered hoodies so I am working on getting those to them and full refunds for the other six. I really thanked those teams that opted to buy our hoodies and get our logos out in their communities. Two are going on the mainland.”
While the action on the ice was halted, funds generated from the tournament have continued to be distributed in support of many individuals and causes.
The committee is always anxious to hear from people who might know someone in need from the hockey community and willing to offer whatever support it can.
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Everyone is hopeful the 10th anniversary of the tournament will finally happen on the Family Day weekend in 2023.
“This was a real roller coaster this year,” Irving indicated. “We were in, we were out, so the final decision did not come easy.”
Tributes to sons and daughters through their trophies remain in the trophy cases on display in both arenas.