ESTEVAN - Eight teams were entered the second annual Aaron Lavoie Memorial U18 hockey tournament, which was organized by the Estevan Minor Hockey Association from Friday to Sunday.
The Shaunavon Badgers won the A final, defeating the Indian Chiefs 3-0. The Swift Current Knights took the B final over the Hague Royals 7-1.
In the C final, the Weyburn Wings edged the Estevan Tower Wolves 3-2. And the Esterhazy Flyers beat the Estevan Bears 4-3 in the D final.
The Bears opened the tournament with an 8-8 tie against the Knights on Friday. Then they lost 9-6 to the Wings and 12-2 to the Chiefs on Saturday to go 0-2-1 in the round robin.
As for the Wolves, they wound up third in their pool with a 1-2 record. They opened with an 8-2 loss to the Royals on Friday, then defeated the Flyers 8-3, but lost 8-3 to the Badgers.
Prior to Friday night’s game between the Bears and the Knights, Lavoie’s father Gary and brother Jordan dropped the puck for the ceremonial opening faceoff. Then Burt Blondeau, who is the EMHA’s U18 director, made a presentation to Gary and Jordan Lavoie.
Aaron Lavoie died in February 2019 at the age of 16.
Prior to the puck drop, it was noted that Aaron Lavoie loved the game of hockey. He worked hard, and played with heart and determination. Tournament organizers hoped the athletes in this year’s tournament will bring the same attributes. It was also hoped the players will make some new friends.
