Val d'Or event attracts thousands

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There weren't enough hotel rooms in Val d'Or to hold them all. A record of 3,500 fans attended the 13th annual Val d'Or Hockey and Broomball tournament, Dec. 2-5.

And they weren't disappointed. The two-day tournament was jam-packed with exciting games played by 41 hockey and 16 broomball teams. In all, 900 players from across the province, with several teams from Ontario, took to the ice.

"It was one of the largest tournaments I've ever seen," said Walter Hester, Jr., tourney president. There were a few minor scheduling misunderstandings, but overall the event was a success, and a big hit with the crowd, Hester said.

Fans watched Class A to C games, plus an Old Timer's division in the hockey side, as well as the women's broomball tournament.

Four of the five final playoff games went into overtime, with all five winners taking the titles by one point.

"People said it was one of the best tournaments they've ever seen," said Hester, who has been involved for 10 years. "We worked hard on it. The directors did a good job setting it up"

He added that if all goes well, tournament goers can expect some new events next year, including square dancing, basketball and volleyball.

John Boudrias, tourney co-ordinator, said the event is important because it helps bring Crees together.

"When it started, there wasn't too much communication between the communities. It's a great opportunity for the communities to communicate."

Boudrias has been working on the tournament committee since 1980 and is confident it can only get better.

"It's well set up now. Before, there was a different committee each year. Now the recreation directors in each community have a mandate to do (the tournament). It will continue for a long time."

Val d'Or Results

Hockey

Class A

Mistissini Trapper 3 (OT) Moose Factory Scrappers 2

Class B

Maniwaki Algonquin Braves 3 (OT) Lac Simon Devils 2

Class C (ages 27 to 35)

Chisasibi Ex-Hunters 4 Waskaganis Ex-Wings 3

Old Timers

Mistissini Truckers 3 (OT) Old Factory Islanders 2

Broomball

Waskaganish Starlites 2 (OT) Lac Simon Lakers 1