The Parksville Panters old-timers hockey club welcomes visiting teams and fans to their second tournament of the season beginning today, when the 16th annual January Junket faces off at Oceanside Place in Parksville.
The annual tourney features competition in 60+, 65+ and 70+ age groups, with Parksville Panter teams entered in each category.
The 12-team tournament will also include clubs from Nanaimo, Campbell River, Victoria and the Sunshine Coast.
Play begins today at 8:25 a.m., with games on both the Howie Meeker and Victor Kraatz arena ice sheets running through 5:15 p.m.
The tournament will continue through Wednesday, with first puck drop at 8:25 in Kraatz Arena and the final game slated for 2:25 p.m. in Meeker Arena.
The tourney is the second of the season for the Panter organization, with is part of the Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association (PGOSA).
It follows the annual September Classic, which includes a division for players 75+.
On Friday, the two local 70+ teams squared off in a tune-up game at Kraatz Arena. The Parksville Islanders rallied from a 4-3 second-period deficit to pull away for an 8-4 win over the Parksville Panters.
For more information or to see a detailed schedule of January Junket matchups, visit the Panter website at www.parksvillepanters.com.
— NEWS Staff