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Puck drops at Robin’s Tournament

More than 2,500 hockey players take part in Robin’s Minor Hockey Tournament this weekend.

THUNDER BAY – Hundreds of hockey players from across the region are descending on Thunder Bay to participate in a hockey tournament that has seen NHL superstars competing for glory.

The puck dropped at the Robin’s Minor Hockey Tournament on Thursday. The popular tournament is entering its 41st year and welcomes 150 teams and more than 2,500 players.

“It’s the first tournament of the year,” said tournament chair, Joe Rizzuto. “The consistent sponsorship keeps the name out there. It’s always Robins and the kids remember it and the parents remember it. And the kids have a great time and for the kids, winning the Robins is the main tournament in town to win.”

Running from Jan. 19 to 22 at hockey arenas throughout the city, there are ten age divisions participating in the tournament, with ages of participants ranging from four-years-old to 17-years-old.

Dave Pacholczak, head coach of the Westfort Maroons Atom A team, said the tournament has a long history and he remembers playing in it when it was the Orange Crush Minor Hockey Tournament.  

“It brings a lot of economic development to the city,” he said. “All the hotel rooms are filled, all the restaurants are getting used and all the kids are having fun.”

This year, Thunder Bay is hosting 34 teams from out of town, including teams from as far away as Saskatchewan. Pacholczak said his team looks forward all year to hit the ice for the Robin’s Tournament.

“They get really excited,” he said. “They’re preparing for it, they think about it. I have one little guy on my team who is sick and he’s really upset he won’t be able to play in the tournament.”

Chase Collie, who plays defense with the Westfort Maroons, will be participating in his third Robin’s Tournament this year.

“I think we made it pretty far last year,” he said. “It was a lot of fun.”

And while the hockey is great, there are added bonuses for the players in this tournament courtesy of its sponsor that has been supporting it for the last 25 years.

“You get donuts,” Chase said. “The last time we were here, when we got to the front door, we got donuts.”

Thunder Bay is well known for producing all-star hockey players, and big names in the NHL today, including Eric Staal, Patrick Sharp, and Matt Murray having been out on the ice looking for the Robin’s win.

“All the NHL starts from Thunder Bay have been in the Robins,” Rizzuto said. “I couldn’t tell you who the next one is, but he could be here.”

“I think that’s a dream of every kid that is playing,” said Pacholczak. “It’s an idea in every kids head. I try not to coach that way, I coach that they go out there and have fun.”

Chase said he probably won’t be the next big NHL star, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be out on the ice and having fun with his teammates.

“I just really like skating around and shooting the puck at the net,” he said.

Visit the Robin’s Minor Hockey Tournament website for a complete schedule of games.

 



Doug Diaczuk

About the Author: Doug Diaczuk

Doug Diaczuk is a reporter and award-winning author from Thunder Bay. He has a master’s degree in English from Lakehead University
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