Richmond Ravens Tournament Huge Success

Photo Credit Richmond Ravens

Spring brings not just flowers but also is a sign that the hockey season is slowly drawing to a close after what has been somewhat of a frustrating season for all associations.

The season was made a success all due to what I call the unsung heroes of sport, namely the volunteers in various regions of not just BC but Canada as well.

Locally in North Delta the spring tournament was a success and for those who wondering how the season played out for all associations, it was stressful.

The governing body of hockey in the lower mainland is the PCAHA which actually dates back to 1937 and yes long before my time.

While minor hockey continues to grow in the area its success is due to BC Hockey which was formerly known as the BCAHA which is the governing body in BC.

Not only has boy’s hockey grown over time, it’s the female program that has taken Canada by storm setting record numbers of players signing up from coast to coast.

That alone shows its popularity of the sport and it’s not just hockey that is attracting female players but also other various sports such as lacrosse and ball hockey to name only two.

Locally the Richmond Ravens Female Hockey Association held its 24th Annual Richmond Ice Classic Tournament kicked off last weekend that managed to attract close to 1,000 female athletes. 

This included a total of 66 teams who managed to play 143 games which saw a first for BC Hockey and for the first time at the event, by all-female referees.

To no surprise  there was a record number of teams (40) from out-of-town coming from Alberta to the east. the Yukon and Northwest Territories up north and Oregon in the US.

Player development came through namely for local teams for the Ravens, as their U15 C2 team pulled off the win defeating the Victoria Reign for gold while both the U13 C1 and U15 C1 teams managed to win silver.

Many simply won’t know, but years back the smaller aged groups played within the end zones  or as some referred to it as half ice and in the name of sportsmanship everyone received participation medals. 

All of the older age teams (9-18, played a full game striving to earn spots in Sunday’s championship games which were all extremely entertaining. 

Mark Kusec, Richmond Ravens tournament director commented “We are especially proud that all 143 games of the tournament were refereed by all-female officials.” 

“This is a new achievement for the Ravens, and full credit goes to our referee-in-chief, Lolly Gagnon, and all of the fantastic young officials who participated.”

He continued “For many of the participating teams who traveled, it was their first hockey tournament ever, and for some it was their first time seeing other female hockey teams and for a few guests, it was even their first time seeing the city or the ocean.  And for some of the oldest players, this was their last game of minor hockey ever, which made it extra meaningful.”

For those who still think that female hockey isn’t growing – think again!!!