It’s a week all Calgary minor hockey players look forward to: the Esso Minor Hockey Week kicks off Friday, with games played in rinks across the city.
Already the largest tournament of its kind in the world, participation numbers continue to grow. This year, nearly 12,000 players and 650 teams will take part.
“It’s an exciting time of year for us. All the kids get excited about the kind of, mini Stanley Cup I guess you call it, for Calgary,” Hockey Calgary executive director Kevin Kobelka said.
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By the time the tournament wraps up Saturday, Jan. 16, 70 new city champions will be crowned.
“When they win and they’re throwing sticks and gloves, it’s always a lot of fun, and sometimes I think the parents get more excited than the kids,” Kobelka said, smiling.
Minor hockey in Calgary is powered by volunteers, and this week is no different.
“Our coaches are volunteers, our managers are volunteers, our trainers–everyone is out their volunteering. We probably have over 3,000 volunteers that participate throughout the year, and they do a tremendous job. And we thank them for everything they do,” Kobelka said.
The opening ceremonies are Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Max Bell Arena.
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