The parking lot was packed, the lobby was packed, and the canteen was busier than it had been all season. This can only mean one thing – there is a hockey tournament in town. Invista Center was hosting this year Taylor Hall ClassicA representative hockey tournament for the U10 to U13 age groups.
“It takes a lot of planning. Right out of the gate, once you get your tournaments approved and ready to go with OMHA, your next struggle is where are we going to put these guys. Have been,” said tournament organizer Chris Doyle.
There are 38 teams from across Eastern Ontario and the GTA to participate in the tournament. And, with 17 skaters per team, plus their parents, it’s a game-winner for the local economy.
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“I think it’s going to be a lot. We had a lot of family here, even aunts and uncles and everybody coming from far and wide. They were also here to support all the kids. So, you Will keep that in mind,” Doyle said.
Parents traveled as far as Markham, Waterloo and Guelph to witness the event. Many said what they enjoy most about the Taylor Hall Classic is the new competition.
Markham’s parent Jennifer Mengers said, “It’s great for him to play with other teams, have different styles of playing hockey that he doesn’t normally experience and have different coaching styles.”
On the ice, a Greater Kingston Junior Gaels squad made it to the finals with a three-out-of-two semifinal victory.
Like other local players, he has his reasons for enjoying the Taylor Hall Classic, including playing against a variety of teams, winning key games, and not having to travel far to attend a high-quality tournament.
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