By Ian Holmes

Nanaimo hosts Bantam Tier 1 Provincial Hockey Championship

Mar 19, 2018 | 3:58 PM

NANAIMO — Some of the best 13 and 14-year-old players in the province have converged on Nanaimo for the annual Bantam Tier 1 Provincial Hockey Championship.

8 teams, including the Nanaimo Bantam Clippers, are involved in the tournament running Monday through Thursday at the Nanaimo Ice Centre.

Brian Van Herk, manager of the Tier 1 Bantam Clippers and co-chair of tournament’s organizing committee, told NanaimoNewsNOW more than 70 volunteers and a generous slate of corporate sponsors made the high-profile event possible.

He said it’s a great chance to showcase Nanaimo to hundreds of visitors in town packing local restaurants and hotels.

“The idea is to come experience our city, have a great tournament, great experience for the kids, and the island is a great option to come to for your family vacation.”

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Van Herk said many players in the tournament are evaluated by WHL, BCHL and Junior B scouts.

Several second-year players in this week’s tournament will undoubtedly have their names called at the annual WHL Bantam Draft in May.

“There’s lots of scouts here that come from all over, this is a big draw for them, this is where they get to see the best of the best in minor hockey.”

The opening banquet Sunday night at the Coast Bastion Inn featured a speech from former Vancouver Canuck centre Brendan Morrison.

Morrison himself competed in the same tournament with Ridge Meadows, who are in the Harbour City this week.

The Nanaimo Bantam Clippers open the tournament Monday night at 6:45 p.m., following the opening ceremonies, versus the Ridge Meadows Rustlers.

Nanaimo plays Tuesday and Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. versus East Kootenay and Central Zone (Kelowna) respectively.

The championship game happens Thursday at 8 p.m. at the Nanaimo Ice Centre.

A tournament schedule and results can be viewed by clicking here.

ian@NanaimoNewsNow.com
On Twitter: @reporterholmes