The 36th annual Gold Panners hockey tournament saw 262 skaters from across the province come to score a few goals, talk a little smack and have a ton of fun.
The tournament, held at West Fraser Centre this past weekend (March 30-31), was split into four divisions named after popular adult beverages.
Team Wicked prevailed in the Budweiser division, Williams Lake Gerry-Hattricks won the Labatt Blue division, the 100 Mile Prowlers came out on top in the Old Style division, and the all-female Palm Bay division was claimed by the 100 Mile Shooters.
Tournament director Richard Lindstrom says it was enjoyed by everybody who took part.
“It’s kind of like a reunion for a lot of hockey teams,” he says. “We had people from as far away as Burns Lake and Mackenzie come to play.”
When not trying to relive their youth on the ice at the 35+ tournament, the contestants made sure they enjoyed themselves.
After games wrapped up on Saturday at 5 p.m., everyone got together for a banquet and a dance.
“Sylvia’s Café always caters,” says Lindstrom. “And then we had Switchfoot, the band, come and play.
“Everyone partied, and we had a lot of fun.”
READ MORE: Gold Panners hockey team donates $2,500 to KidSport
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