St. Paul Novice hockey teams hosted its first ever jamboree on Jan. 12 and 13, drawing in teams from near and far for two days of action at the Clancy Richard and CAP arenas.
A total of 16 teams took part in the jamboree. Three of the teams were from St. Paul, while others came from the nearby area, such as Saddle Lake and Elk Point. Other teams travelled from a distance to attend, including players coming from Edson, Fort McMurray, and even Saskatoon.
This year, the format that novice hockey players experience on the ice is a bit different. The tournament followed Hockey Alberta introduction to hockey rules, which is focused on developing the skills of the young hockey players, explains Chantal Sadlowski, tournament coordinator.
As a parent to one of the hockey players who hit the ice for the jamboree and plays within St. Paul Minor Hockey, Sadlowski says "there has been a huge improvement in these kids since this has begun."
Games followed a four-on-four format, and included two 24-minute periods.
Sadlowski says the weekend was a big one for St. Paul Minor Hockey, drawing in 180 athletes. A total of about 150 athletes came from out of town, she added. But, it was also a big weekend for the community as a whole.
"I had many compliments throughout the weekend that St. Paul was very welcoming," says Sadlowski. She offered special mention to the rink attendants and referees who helped out throughout the weekend.
"A lot goes into hosting a tournament of this size."
Because the games take place on half the ice a regular hockey game uses, it meant that four games could be taking place at one time between the two arenas. Each team was also guaranteed five games over the two days.
"It was chaotic at times, but seeing the smiles on all the kids' faces at the end of the day, you know they enjoyed the tournament," says Sadlowski.
