Annual Lawrence Weenie Cup on tap in Battlefords

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Age has perhaps slowed them down a step or two but tournament chairman Milt Tootoosis said spectators will still be impressed with the quality of play at the Lawrence Weenie Cup.

The sixth annual tournament, which features Native masters (35 and over) teams, begins on March 31 and continues until April 2.All games will be held at the Don Ross Arena in North Battleford.

The tournament is held each year in honour of the late Lawrence Weenie of Poundmaker First Nation. Also known as The Voice of Native Hockey, Weenie often worked as an announcer at hockey games across Saskatchewan. He also dedicated much time and effort to providing Native youth with opportunities to get involved in sports.

Besides clubs from Saskatchewan, squads from Alberta and Manitoba will also be participating, with a total of eight teams scheduled to take part in the non-contact event.

"I would say it's very competitive," Tootoosis said. "But (the players) are mostly there to reminisce with the buddies that they played with or against in senior hockey."

Last year's Lawrence Weenie Cup attracted 10 entrants.

Tootoosis said some clubs do not return once they see just how high the calibre of play actually is at the tournament. And though down somewhat, he's pleased with the number of teams that have signed up for this year.

"Eight is a good number," he said. "It will be a very competitive tournament."

Tootoosis added there are plenty of opportunities for Native hockey players to keep playing after they reach 35. Each year there are a number of tournaments that include masters divisions, especially throughout western Canada.

"Masters hockey in the Aboriginal community is growing," Tootoosis said. "And it is growing rapidly."

Many of those who do compete in the Lawrence Weenie Cup are former participants of the annual senior men's tournament that is run by Battleford's Indian and Metis Friendship Centre. This year the 42nd annual edition of that tournament will be run the same weekend as the Lawrence Weenie Cup.

The North-West Traders, a squad comprised of players from the northwest parts of Saskatchewan, won the championship at last year's Lawrence Weenie Cup.

The Traders will be back again this year to defend their crown.