The 22nd Annual Vince Ryan Memorial Scholarship Hockey Tournament will be held this weekend from Thursday, March 24 to Sunday, March 27. This tournament is one of the largest recreational adult hockey tournaments in the world. Every year over 160 teams from across Canada and the United States gather, bringing thousands of players to 10 rinks across the CBRM. Seeing the need for the development of female hockey programs in Nova Scotia, the tournament organizers launched what has become a successful female division for women 19 and over in 1999. More than 200 volunteers devote thousands of hours to make sure each and every participant enjoys their time to the fullest.
In addition to the competitive, exciting and sportsmanlike hockey, off the ice tournament time is known for reunions of friends and families, the start of new friendships, numerous social events, and great nightly entertainment at a number of locations.
John Vincent Ryan played his first hockey on ponds and outdoor rinks around his native community of Donkin, eventually becoming one of the Maritimes’ most prolific scorers. He scored his 200th Senior League career goal in the 1962-63 season, and is believed to be the third highest scorer in the Maritime Senior Hockey League. The Tournament was launched in tribute to his accomplishments and his philosophy of helping youth.
Over the past 21 years, the tournament has raised approximately three hundred thousand dollars, awarding in excess of 200 scholarships. The tournament also generates an estimated $5 million in economic benefits to the local community, making a significant annual off-season economic impact to the Cape Breton economy. The Tournament now offers each of the high schools in the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board, Cape Breton University, and both Nova Scotia Community College campuses (Marconi and the Strait) scholarship awards in the amount of $500.
Check out our events calendar for the complete schedule.
Alice says
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