NORTH PERTH – One of Listowel’s premier minor hockey events marks its return this weekend, as the revamped Gord Hymers U11 Tournament is set to welcome a dozen teams from across the province for some fun-filled competition.
Formerly the Gord Hymers Novice Tournament that was initially launched in 1967 by its namesake, his family and friends, following the 50th anniversary a few years ago the Listowel Minor Hockey Association (LMHA) took the reins of the popular event. The pandemic cancelled the last two tournaments, but it is back with renewed interest this time around, with clubs from throughout Midwestern Ontario and beyond making the trip for the expanded three-day tournament.
“It’s definitely great to see it back, it’s a major fundraiser for us,” commented Tim Good, tournament director and LMHA director of hockey operations. “It’s ran for 52 or 53 years, so obviously a lot of people know about it and it brings a lot to the community. We’ll have over 170 players and parents in town and hopefully spending some money locally.”
The tournament will get underway with round-robin play across three groups on Friday, March 11 at the Steve Kerr Memorial Complex and the Wallace Community Centre in Kurtzville. Saturday play shifts entirely to Listowel, with the semifinals and finals scheduled for Sunday, March 13 at the Kerr Complex.
The Listowel U11 Rep Cyclones have been designated to Group A along with Dorchester, Ingersoll and South Porcupine.
Proceeds from the event are to be directed back into Listowel Minor Hockey.
“There’s a lot of background work and a lot of hours put in, but we’ve had everyone stepping up and playing their part,” said Good. “We’ve seen lots of people willing to put some volunteer hours in.”
The 2022 edition of the Gord Hymers tournament will mark the first time it will be conducted over a three-day format. It had previously ran as a single or two-day tournament.
“We’re hopeful to even expand possibly it a little more in years to come, at least that’s my goal, to get as many teams as we can,” said Good.
The U11 Rep Cyclones kick off the tournament against Ingersoll on Friday afternoon at 1 p.m. at the Kerr Complex. There is no admission charge to the Gord Hymers U11 Tournament, with a full schedule available online at listowelminorhockey.ca.
