The 33rd annual Wingham Silver Stick tournament is underway, with many local teams from throughout Midwestern Ontario coming to the town to play for regional hockey dominance.
Tournament Director Luke Lockridge says they have another strong turnout for the two different levels of players they’re hosting this year.
“So this week we have 23 Midget teams here, 11 B and 12 C’s, and in two weeks time we’ll be running our Atom division, B and C, and there will be 24 total for that.”
Lockridge says that with 23 Midget teams and 24 Atom teams participating this year, the strong support that the tournament gives minor hockey can continue.
“Well we’ve become one of minor hockey’s biggest sponsors, every year we donate roughly $15,000 to minor hockey, so this is a big deal for the community.”
Into its 4th decade, every year the town of Wingham gets behind the event every time, and Lockridge notes that the community support is key.
“We have very strong support from the community. A lot of the store fronts, you’ll see our sponsor signs. We have such strong support here, and the surrounding towns, we run a tight tournament, and they’re happy to come.”
The opening ceremonies for this year’s tournament will be held this Friday at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex.
Midget B action between Walkerton and Tavistock at the 33rd annual Wingham Silver Stick tournament. November 12th, 2018 (Photo by Ryan Drury)