It's time for the annual Chatham Regional Silver Stick Hockey Tournament.
The tournament runs December 12-15, 2024, with the following divisions: U10 A, U12 A, U14 A, U16 A, U11 B Tier 2, U13 B Tier 2, U15 B Tier 2.
Tournament Director Jim King told CK News Today this year’s tournament is the most attended tournament in the 22 years of hosting it.
There are 64 teams participating this year compared to 47 teams last year. King said 32 of the teams are from the Chatham-Kent and Essex regions and the remaining 32 teams are from outside of the area, adding some come from as far away as the Hamilton, Barrie, and Niagara areas.
King attributed part of the reason for the increase in participation is the Ontario Minor Hockey Association’s reclassification of the Kent Minor Hockey program from AA to A in the 2023-24 season and from BB to B for its second teams this year.
He noted the tournament can now have more teams attending as a result due to the higher classification levels.
King said it's tremendous to have so many teams at the tournament this year.
"We actually had to go out and get additional ice lots in Blenheim this year," he said. "It's really a great opportunity for our tournament this year. We're ready for a great success."
King said he couldn't do the tournament without an army of dedicated volunteers, including his family.
"I've been doing it because I love the game, my kids played in it. My kids are actually participating as conveners assisting me in the tournament," he said. "So, it's been a generational thing and I'm just pleased we can continue to keep going here in Chatham."
King added that he wishes Chatham-Kent had a multi-pad arena and more hotel rooms to accommodate the players, coaches, and families.
Kent Minor Hockey Association is hosting the tournament at the Thames Campus, Erickson, Chatham, Blenheim, and Tilbury arenas.
The various champions advance to represent their region at the International Finals.
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