Hockey takes over the heart of sports co-ordinator

Page 10

There's Aboriginal hockey action planned for every month in Prince Albert. Hockey tournaments are scheduled for most of the winter followed by the biggest wind-up event ever to be held in the community's history.

From Dec. 6 to 8 at the Prince Albert Communiplex, Sturgeon Lake Recreation presents the Aboriginal Senior Hockey Tournament with 14 teams from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta in a double knock-out draw. There will be 26 games in all.

The co-ordinator of the tournament is Mel Parenteau, Sports, Culture and Recreation Coordinator for the Prince Albert Grand Council.

"It's good, fast, hard-hitting hockey," said Parenteau. "This is the fourth year we have been using top flight hockey referees from Prince Albert to officiate. There's lots of interest, lots of people go for it. It's easy to get 14 teams even through they have to pay $600 to enter. It's a treat for them to play at the Communiplex and all the money goes back in prizes."

This is the 7th annual Aboriginal Senior Hockey Tournament. Parenteau originated the idea at Sturgeon Lake, when the Buckland Arena was used, and it has been held at the larger Communiplex Arena for the past three years.

Parenteau has been with the Prince Albert Grand Council since Nov. 21, 1994. The tournaments were started as fundraising events when he began hosting them back in the 1989-90 season and they have been a popular attraction ever since.

"The team to beat is Cumberland House Cree," he said. "Canoe Lake, Pelican Narrows, South End, The Pas-most teams have rinks of play in the nearest town.

"Over the three day event, more than 2,500 fans will come to watch. Twelve first Nations are involved and it generates lots of money for Prince Albert.

On Saturday there will be a dance for fans and players.

There are four placings with $4,000 and $2,500, plus a trophy for first and second place winners, $1,500 for third and $1,000 for fourth.

Other awards include Player of the Game, chosen by committee; the All Star Team Award; Jacob Badger Award; Gene's Cycle Award; and Source for Sports Award.

The Saskatchewan Indian and Metis Friendship Centre Hockey Tournament is slated for January. February will feature the All Indian, All Reserve Hockey Tournament. In March there is the All Treaty Men's Hockey Tournament (at Kinsmen and Stuart Arenas) and Prince Albert will host the Saskatchewan Indian Winter Games in April.

"For the Saskatchewan Indian Winter Games, from April 1 to 4, 1,500 athletes will be coming to town," Parenteau said. "Then there's a tournament at Sask Place on April 5 to 6, sponsored by the Saskatoon Tribal Council.