The second annual Joseph Dockrill Memorial Hockey Tournament in Telkwa benefited from recent warm weather, with the week long delay resulting in an almost perfect day for outdoor hockey and a surprise appearance by a special guest player in the finals at the end of the day last Saturday.
Telkwa councillor and tournament organizer Rick Fuerst said the sun and cold temperatures arrived just in time for the action.
“The weather gods are smiling on us today,” he said.
Seven teams signed up, and although one team had to back out due to commitments at another tournament in Terrace, a replacement team, the One Timers, filled in with enthusiasm.
“That’s Telkwa’s style,” said Fuerst. “They always support everything wholeheartedly.”
The Bulkley Valley Kinsmen kept up that reputation, supplying food and drinks, while Midway Service donated the trophy. A team of community volunteers has also worked to keep the ice clear and flooded.
All seven teams played two games each throughout the morning and afternoon. During the semifinals, the Midway Hawks lost a player to injury. Like a scene straight out of a doughnut shop commercial, local hockey hero Dan Hamhuis stepped in to take the player’s spot, according to Fuerst.
“Once word got out, quite a few people showed up to watch,” he said.
In the final game, the Hawks faced last year’s winners, the Riverside Rink Rats. After a close game came to a 5-5 tie, the game went into overtime, and the Rink Rats managed to pot a goal and win their second tournament in a row.