The largest women’s hockey tournament in the world will kick off next Friday when the 38th Annual Toronto Leaside Wildcats March Madness Tournament begins at 18 arenas across the City. Players and parents from across Ontario and many other parts of Canada converge on Leaside Arena for at least part of the time. One large contingent is flying in from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. This year, says Mark Schrutt, tournament director, a record 171 teams will compete across all age levels and categories. Hundreds of volunteers and paid personnel like referees and arena staff will toil from Friday March 10 to Sunday March 12 to keep the program moving.
SILENT AUCTION
It’s an expensive event and one important element in carrying the cost is the silent auction which takes place in the William Lea Room at Leaside Arena. This year a huge variety of exciting prizes is up for silent bidding. West Jet has donated two round trip tickets to anywhere they fly. There are Leaf Tickets, Raptor Tickets, Jays Tickets, an Autographed Darryl Sittler Stick, Original Richard Johnson Ice Hut Photograph, CWHL Autographed All Star Jersey, Sonos Play 1 System. Apple Watch, many hockey camp gift certificates. Eagles Nest Golf Passes, Restaurant Gift Certificates, Wine Baskets and NHL Alumni Autographed Jersey.The Auction closes at 7 p.m. on Saturday March 11th and payment may be made by cash, cheque or credit card.
ARENAS
Games will be played all across Toronto: Angela James in Flemingdon Park, Baycrest, Commander, Don Montgomery, East York, Leaside, RINX, Scarborough Centennial, Ted Reeve, Birchmount, Cummer, Malvern, Oriole, Phil White, Scarborough Village, York Mills, Mitchell Field.
2017 Leaside March Break Madness Schedule (as of Feb 27 @ 9:30 pm, subject to change)
