Tubbers Hockey Tournament organizer Tim Paugh during the opening day of the 39th annual event in Nanaimo. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

no sign of rust

‘It’s a tradition we’re committed to:’ Tubbers Hockey Tournament draws 300 players to Nanaimo

Feb 7, 2020 | 4:04 PM

NANAIMO — A longstanding annual February hockey tournament has taken over the Nanaimo Ice Centre.

The 39^th annual Tubbers Hockey Tournament attracted 26 teams in five divisions to play on both facility’s rinks from Friday, Feb. 7 through the afternoon of Sunday, Feb. 9.

Organizer Tim Paugh of the Nanaimo Tubbers Hockey Club told NanaimoNewsNOW the hard work of hosting the tournament is well worth it for volunteers.

“There’s the history of the Nanaimo Tubbers, we’re community based, all of the guys are born and raised here in Nanaimo. It’s something we’re not willing to see die.”

Paugh said most of the teams are from all over Vancouver Island with a few squads from the Vancouver area.

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He said Nanaimo’s central location is a great fit for many teams, who show their support by playing every year.

“Whether you’re coming from a big town like the Lower Mainland or from a small town up Island, Nanaimo is pretty easy to get to. We have everything and the facility we have is nice.”

Bringing in more than 300 players for the weekend is said to offer an economic jolt for hotels, restaurants and bars.

Games run from 8 a.m. through 11 p.m Friday and Saturday at the Ice Centre, while games Sunday are scheduled between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

A beer garden is set up for the tournament.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes