Fun and fair play at atom tourney

Atom players with the Port aux Basques Blaze took part in the Sam Rose Invitational hockey tournament at the Bruce II Sports Centre on March 6.

Five teams, including two from Port aux Basques, faced off throughout the day. The other teams were from Corner Brook, Stephenville and Gros Morne.

Coach Scott Strickland said hockey at the atom level (for ages 9 and 10) supports a non-competitive atmosphere and promotes fair play.

He said the tournament was great fun for all involved. The local players were split into two teams with different coloured jerseys. The white jerseys lost to Stephenville 10-0 and then to Grose Morne 8-2. The black jerseys lost to Corner Brook 10-0 and then to Gros Morne 9-5.

Strickland said the tournament marked the end of the regular season, although the team is still practicing. A rep team will travel to Harbour Grace for the annual provincial Easter tournament to be held April 7-10.

They will face-off against teams from Harbour Grace, Twillingate, Fogo and Northern West.

"The team practiced diligently all year and showed tremendous improvement as a team and individually," said Strickland. "Although they were unsuccessful on the scoreboard, the team demonstrated a spirit and attitude that made their coaches, parents, association and community very proud. They are a very special group of young athletes who know the true meaning of what it is to be a team."

editor@gulfnews.ca