Brandon, MB (CKLQ) – Approximately 300 hockey players will be giving their all during the annual Coach’s Tournament in Brandon this weekend.
20 Hockey teams from Manitoba and Saskatchewan will take part.
Kris Klemick Vice President of Operations with Hockey Brandon says they’re running with a 2 tier Atom level system for the tourney.
"This is the first year we’ve got two different divisions, the A1 and A2’s so the talent level is spread out a little better there should be some more competitive games and their should be some good hockey for everybody," said Klemick."
Out of town teams include: Boissevain, Hamiota, Moosomin SK, Churchbridge SK, Warren, SK, Estevan SK, Winnipeg and two teams from Dauphin.
With hundreds of players taking part, Klemick jokes there may be a noticeable change in Wi-Fi service throughout the city.
"We’ll have upwards of 300 players involved and I was just talking with WCG and they were mentioning an expected spike in band-with due to all these kids not playing Fortnite as much this weekend," Klemick said.
The tourney kicks off 9:30 this morning with the Atom Blue Storm hosting Boissevain at the Enns Brothers arena.
All four major hockey rinks in Brandon will be used today.
To see the tournament schedule click here.
The teams will vacate Westoba Place when the Wheat Kings return home Saturday for the annual teddy Bear Toss.
Hockey Brandon and the Wheat Kings have arranged for all out of town teams to attend Saturday’s Wheat Kings game when they host the Saskatoon Blades.