It was announced a day or so ago, and it won’t take place for a day or so, but I was pleased to see the decision by the International Silver Stick Hockey to award another qualifying tournament to Owen Sound Minor Hockey Group.
For as long as I can remember, Owen Sound has hosted a Silver Stick qualifier for Minor Atom, Minor Peewee & Minor Bantam teams.
Recently at the Silver Stick Annual General Meeting in Las Vegas, Dave McNeil for Owen Sound Minor Hockey made a successful presentation to the committee and the local Minor Hockey Group was awarded the rights to host another qualifying tournament; the Minor Midget Qualifier.
From my viewpoint, this is good on several levels.
One, it totally solidifies Owen Sound’s hockey reputation and ability to host first class events.
Second, it’s another full weekend of use for the Harry Lumley-Bayshore Community Center and in short order for the new rec Complex as well.
Third, the Fall Minor Hockey tournaments serve as significant fundraisers for Owen Sound Minor Hockey and in this day & age, every extra opportunity counts.
And finally, for the accommodation industry, food & beverage merchants, the gas stations, the Attack, and the city in general, this represents another potential windfall of out of town revenues into the local economy.
So what was once a busy Fall for hockey tournaments in Owen Sound, is about to get busier.
I’m Fred Wallace