Slave Lake Minor Hockey Association is inviting players, families, friends and community members to hit the golf course this summer for its first annual golf tournament.
The tournament will be held July 25 at Gilwood Golf and Country Club.
“It feels great,” says John Bradley, one of the tournament organizers. “This is a way to celebrate and enjoy the success of Slave Lake Minor Hockey players and their families.”
Bradley says the event is meant to support hockey families as players continue to grow in the sport.
The tournament was originally open to current Slave Lake Minor Hockey Association members and graduates from the past five seasons.
However, registration is opened to the public on July 3.
“We wanted to give our members and their families the first opportunity, as the tournament is in their honour. This is open to all ages and is meant to be enjoyable for families and friends. Everyone is welcome.” Bradley says.
But he explains that the current registration is low at this point and they are encouraging people to get registered by July 17.
Bradley says that they still need a minimum of 20 teams.
The organizing committee recently lowered the team entry fee to $400.
That works out to $100 per golfer.
The lower fee is meant to encourage more people to join and help make the first tournament a success.
Golfers are asked to bring their own clubs and equipment.
Anyone who needs rental equipment, including golf carts, can contact Gilwood Golf and Country Club directly.
All rentals will be arranged through the course, says Bradley.
“It is also exciting to see businesses step up and support the event,” he says.
Bradley plays golf occasionally and says he hopes to spend more time on the course in the future.
He started golfing while growing up in Thunder Bay and has played in several fun tournaments since moving to Alberta.
His son and daughter have also started showing an interest in golf, which may mean more family time on the course.
“Being a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, you would think that I would be a pro by now,” Bradley joked.
Bradley says he is not aware of another community tournament quite like this one in Slave Lake.
He hopes the event becomes an annual tradition that helps raise funds, creates more opportunities for young players and supports hockey families.
On tournament day, the committee is looking forward to bringing the community together.
“We’re most looking forward to bringing our community together for a fun day of golf, hockey and making lasting memories,” Bradley says. “Whether it’s reconnecting with old teammates or introducing new families to minor hockey, we hope the tournament strengthens community spirit while supporting our players and coaches.”
Julia Magsombol
Lakeside Leader