Atom players hone their skills at competition
Quintyn Jordan admits he focused a little more on his shootout skills during as he practised in preparation for Tuesday night’s 2018 Peterborough Liftlock Atom Hockey Tournament’s Russelle Toyota Skills Competition at the Evinrude Centre.
The 10-year-old skater for the Whitby-based Durham Crusaders said he was enjoying the experience after competing in the first round of the shootout.
“It’ s pretty cool ,” the Bow manville boy said with a smile as he stood beside his his mom, Stephanie, behind the corner boards to cheer on his teammates – a goaltending tandem among those taking turns defending a net against a steady flow of incoming attackers.
“It’s exciting. It’s fun to see them do something different,” she said, pointing out that it’s also great to see the talents of players from other teams.
Once they learn which competition they will compete in, many participants hone their skills in that particular area, like Quintyn, organizers said. Other competition categories included speed skating, target shooting, stick handling and goaltending.
Millbrook Stars coach Dwayne Mackey, who was on hand with nine skaters and two goalies, said his players were plenty excited to take part, but became a bit overwhelmed and nervous when they arrived to the packed Monaghan Road arena.
But they quickly calmed down after he spoke with each of them, offering a uniform message. “Just have fun, enjoy it.”
The event drew 281 players from 22 house league teams from across the region – about the same number as last year, chairman David Moore said.
The top five competitors moved on to the finals in each of the five categories. The top three were then chosen in each contest.
Participants eagerly anticipate the competition, thanks in part to it being only one of its kind, past chair Ron Sparkes said, pointing out that while many representative leagues hold skill competitions, but house leagues do not.
The players see their idols taking part in skills competitions at the highest levels of the game, such as the annual contest held during the NHL’s All-Star Weekend.
“This means a lot to them,” Sparkes said in the bustling lobby of the twin pad arena as jersey-clad competitors registered. “It’s pretty exciting. They look forward to it and have a really good time.”
Stephanie said her son was no exception. “He was really excited.”
Mackey agreed the tournament is “huge” for the house league players, who have the same amount of heart and drive as anyone else who laces up skates. “It’s awesome for them to have that chance to be a star for a night. Because they all are.”
It’s always a great scene near the end of the night when players gather to watch the end of the finals, cheering on their friends, Sparkes said. “The kids are up there hollering and screaming and trying to support their team.”
This year’s hockey tournament will be among the largest yet with 126 teams, up 10 from 2017, and 2,000 players in 11 different atom divisions playing 243 games on 12 area ice pads at 10 arenas from Thursday to Sunday.
NOTE: The tournament website is at http://liftlockatomhockey.ca.