The Estevan Strippers hockey program is working on the final preparations for their annual Molson’s Spring Bust tournament – the largest recreation hockey event in the province.
This year’s competition will take place from April 10 to 14 at Affinity Place, the Power Dodge Ice Centre and the Bienfait Memorial Arena. Forty teams, including eight women’s teams, will be entered in the tournament’s divisions.
“Approximately 15 or 20 of them have been in the tournament since the inception 38 years ago,” said spokesperson Steve Godfrey.
Only a couple of teams from last year’s tournament won’t be back this year.
Opening games will be April 10 at 6:30 p.m. The games the first two days will largely feature local teams, but the tournament will boast squads from throughout southern Saskatchewan and even a few from southwest Manitoba as well.
“I think the over-30 will present some good games, some really tight games,” said Godfrey. “The women’s division will be very entertaining, and the over-45 division is always entertaining.”
Godfrey also noted the support of the Bienfait Memorial Arena, which will be used for games for the second consecutive year.
“Bienfait was gracious enough to keep their rink open for us,” said Godfrey. “They’ve been really accommodating, and it’s really nice to have that third ice surface. Without them, it would be very tough to keep our 40 teams in this tournament.”
The tournament is not only a showcase for good hockey for the better part of five days, but it also serves as a fundraiser. Godfrey said the average revenues from the tournament over the past five years have been $25,000, and the average donations over the last five years have been $15,000.
The Strippers have used that money to support all sorts of provincial and national championships that have come into the community. They support local sports teams and organizations, and other causes in the community.
Among the causes that they supported with the proceeds from last year’s tournament is the parent and tot skate offered by the City of Estevan’s leisure services division.
“There is approximately 30-40 different organizations we contribute to every year,” said Godfrey.
Godfrey pointed out one of the organizations they support, Penta Completions Estevan Minor Football, is running the score clock at one of the arenas this year.
Much of the funds through the tournament come from the cabarets at the Power Dodge Curling Centre, which will be April 12 and 13 this year. DJ Dave Elliott will provide entertainment the first night, and rock group Third Degree Birnz will offer live music on the second.
The curling club will also be the site of a social area each night of the tournament.
Godfrey said the tournament carries a big economic spin-off for the community, with players and their families coming to Estevan, and staying in hotels and eating in restaurants.
“We really do this for the community,” said Godfrey. “We’ve got 40 teams, and approximately 25 of those are from out of town. They’re staying here for two nights and enjoying our community, and half the money will be donated to all of the organizations around Estevan.”
