An Estevan Minor Hockey Association midget house tournament is paying tribute to a dedicated and energetic young hockey player this weekend.
The inaugural Aaron Lavoie Memorial Hockey Tournament started Friday and will continue until Sunday, with games taking place at Affinity Place and the Power Dodge Ice Centre. Eight teams are taking part in the tournament.
A ceremonial puck drop took place Friday evening before the game between the Estevan Wolves, which was Aaron’s midget team, and the Indian Head Chiefs.
Aaron’s brothers Landon, Jordan and Cameron dropped the puck for the faceoff.
Lavoie, who was nicknamed Airbud, died on Feb. 24 at the age of 16.
“He loved hockey. He played with heart and a competitiveness that never went unnoticed. He was always there for his teammates with a timely pass, timely hit to make a play and of course, a quick joke to make us laugh,” said Dalton Giblett, who paid tribute to Aaron.
He also loved his friends, hanging out with them, going and road trips and creating shenanigans in the hotel rooms.
Aaron also scored the game-winning goal in a provincial playoff hockey game the day before he died.
Landon said he was honoured that the tournament was named after his brother, and Aaron had many friends playing this weekend.
“On behalf of our family, we wish everyone the best of luck, and most importantly, have fun,” said Landon.
