The 14th annual Parksville Panters’ September Classic was another successful hockey tournament.
Thirty teams took to the ice last week, traveling from as far away as Minnesota, Colorado, Red Deer, Edmonton, Flin Flon and all around B.C. Players took part in age groups for 60, 65, 70 and 75, with every team playing some fine, competitive hockey. Over one thousand visitors, player’s wives and friends enjoyed some top level, exciting hockey from these experienced players during the three day tournament.
Winning the 60 division was the Edmonton Vintage. The 65 division winners were Parksville Panters in the “A” division and the Flin Flon Bombers in the “B” division. The 70 division saw the Parksville Panters winning in the A division and the Nanaimo Old Boys winning B. The 75 division was won by the Parksville Panters.
“It is more than amazing,” Panter player Al Grier said. “To see such high skill level hockey coming from these players at these ages. It is a testament to healthy living and keeping mind and body active; of course the camaraderie is also a big factor in keeping these players active.”
Without the sponsors the tournament would not happen and Parksville would lose economically, organizers said.
Tournament chairmen Al Rourke and Glenn Abbott thank all the participants and volunteers who made this tournament a success along with sponsors:
Parksville Pharmasave, Lefty’s, Close To You, Five Star, Riptide Lagoon, Tigh-Na-Mara, Kirby’s Sports, Investment Planning Counsel, Quality Foods, French Creek Pub, Triple H Construction, Deez Bar & Grill, Cuckoos, Save On Foods, Oceanside Clothing, Dairy Queen, Dan Jack Sutton Realty, Parksville Chrysler, Paradise Sea Shell Motel, Shopper’s Drug Mart, Pacific Shores, Qualicum Pharmasave, Smoke ‘N Water, McDonald’s, Riverside Resort, Bosley’s, Parks West Business Products and Pacific Western Brewing.