By John DeCoste
The annual Horton High School boys’ holiday hockey tournament is seeing a few changes this year.
First is the name. After more than 30 years as the Fred Kelly tournament (named for Acadia’s long-time hockey coach Maj. Fred Kelly), this year’s event is called the first annual Horton Memorial hockey tournament.
According to head organizer Kim Troop, the memorial designation “is a dedication to the memory of former Horton players, students, educators and builders” who have passed away over the years.
Troop added trophies for the tournament MVP, defensive MVP, top goalie and most sportsmanlike player have all been donated in memory of past Horton players, students and supporters of the hockey program.
Members of the family of the late Jordie Brown (older brother of Griffins’ captain Greg Brown), who passed away last month, will take part in a faceoff as part of the opening ceremonies.
The second major change is the venue. After being hosted for many years at Acadia Arena in Wolfville, this year’s tournament will be played at the Kings Mutual Century Centre in Berwick.
The third change is the date. After being held Dec. 27 and 28 for many years, this year’s event will take place Thursday, Dec. 29 and Friday, Dec. 30.
The first annual Horton Memorial will be a six-team tournament, with Central Kings, Northeast Kings, Horton, Barrington, Park View and Sir John A. Macdonald.
Troop is looking forward to “an exciting and meaningful experience for all involved.” The tournament committee, he said, hopes to foster “sportsmanship and goodwill through the remembrance of others, and embrace our passion for our beloved sport.”
Factbox:
Schedule:
Dec. 29
8:15 a.m. Horton vs. Central Kings
10:15 a.m. Park View vs. NKEC
12:15 a.m. Sir John A. vs. Barrington
2:15 p.m. Park View vs. Central Kings
4 p.m. Opening ceremonies
4:30 p.m. Horton vs. NKEC
6:15 p.m. Park View vs. Barrington
8 p.m. Sir John A vs. NKEC
Dec. 30
8:15 a.m. Horton meeting Barrington
10:15 a.m. Sir John A. and Central Kings
1 p.m. Girls game (teams yet to be announced)
2:15 p.m. Semifinal
4:15 p.m. Semifinal
6:15 p.m. Girls game (teams yet to be announced)
8 p.m. Final
