Bisons honour teammate with memorial hockey tournament

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The CFR Chemicals Bisons are proudly honouring fallen teammate Markus Lavallee with a memorial hockey tournament in a two-day showcase at the Strathmore Family Centre.
Bisons General Manager Wayne Hansen is excited that many players are coming together from around the area to play in Lavallee’s memory.
“I can tell you that none of this wouldn’t have happened without a conversation with Derek and Shantelle (Markus’s parents),” said Hansen. “This tournament is going ahead with their blessings and they’re very pleased to see the response. The fact that this tournament was announced eight days ago makes me very happy to know it’s going to sell out that quick.”
The tournament will attract many skilled players from the Western Hockey League (WHL), Junior A, Midget AAA and other elite levels of hockey that should provide great entertainment to fans in attendance over the two days.
“This a really good chance for them with no pressure to come out, play hockey at a high level and have some fun for a great cause,” said Hansen.
He termed the tournament as ‘High-End Pond Hockey’ and that players will be out there showing skills they wouldn’t do in a normal game situation.
The tournament support has been tremendous from the off-ice officials and other people donating their time, and the Town of Strathmore for their efforts in preparation for the tournament.
“They haven’t told us officially, it looks like they may be donating the ice for the event, which is fantastic because it’s more money that goes into the scholarship fund,” said Hansen.
According to former teammate Josh Bishop, there would be no better way to celebrate Lavallee’s life than this tournament because he was a player that spent a lot of time at the arena.
“He was a kid that always loved to be around the rink,” said Bishop. “Just being around the rink will bring back memories of the great times that we had with Markus.”
Spots are filling up fast for the tournament as there are only eight spots left and the goalie spots are full.
The cost is $100 per player and all the money goes towards the scholarship.
The tournament will played on Aug. 15-16 at the Strathmore Family Centre with games going from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days.
More information on the tournament, including registration, can be found at www.bisonshockey.com.