Excited smiles lit up Total Ice Training Centre last Saturday and Sunday when it played host to the first ever Spring Four on Four Youth Hockey Tournament.
Teams randomly selected in introductory and novice divisions — many filled with players who were taking part in their very first tournament — squared off until champions were crowned.
In the novice final the Green Machines rallied to an 8-3 win over the Yellow Snow for the gold medal.
Green Machines head coach Clay Palmantier said his players were so excited to be playing in a tournament.
“They were so into it, telling me things on the bench about the game,” Palmantier said. “They were just a great group to coach and I was so proud of them.”
He noted teaching respect and sportsmanship were among his top priorities while at the helm.
“They were really good about thinking about the other team,” he said.
Meanwhile, in the intro division, it was Team Green making a late surge to overcome Team Blue, 9-6.
Total Ice Training Centre co-owner Kayla Lucas noted players attended the tournament from as far away as Fort St. John, Prince George and Quesnel, on top of multiple local participants. She added they couldn’t believe the turnout.
“The kids had a lot of fun and it was a great weekend,” she said.