Showcasing the best

Times Editor  

 

Every single team in the Alberta Midget Hockey League took part in the first-ever Showcase Weekend Nov. 10-11 at the Strathmore Family Centre.

All 18 teams in the league, including the hometown UFA Bisons, played two regular season games during the event, which replaces the annual all-star game.

“I’m ecstatic about the number of people that came out to watch, the building was three quarters full all weekend right from the time we opened the door on Saturday morning … it was wonderful to see,” said Bisons general manager and Showcase organizer Wayne Hansen. “To me, the biggest thing was a chance for us to show off our league and our players. In my conversations this weekend with scouts, they were over the moon to have all these kids in one place to look at them.”

According to Hansen, besides the fast-paced hockey action, the town enjoyed a significant boost to the economy. Nine of the 18 teams stayed at the local hotels and used approximately 15 rooms per team, not withstanding the fans and scouts that also stayed in town. The organizing committee also had to take care of the food arrangements too.

“A lot of money was spent here this weekend,” said Hansen, “but nothing like this happens without the support of the volunteers we have. The people, the Bisons volunteers in particular, the people that normally work our penalty box as our off-ice officials, they’ve been here for all 18 games.

“The Bisons parents were fantastic, they had a lot of shifts to cover as well. That’s dedication (from everyone).”

According to head coach Jeremy Friesen, the Showcase Weekend was a fantastic idea and he was proud that his team could be a part of the first annual event.

“I think the guys had a great time too, just to be able to come in and play two of the top teams in the north and watch a lot of really good hockey too,” said Friesen. “Hopefully it is something the league will keep running with – there is no better way to get your players identified than bringing a couple of hundred scouts.

“Overall, it was very well done and I’m glad that we were a part of it.”