There’s not quite three weeks to go before the Leaside Select Invitational Tournament hits area arenas. Most critically, Leaside Memorial Community Gardens complex will be mobbed with kids ranging in age from five to 18 years for this mid-winter classic of family fun. The kickoff comes the evening of Friday, February 3, 2017 with “Novice Night” a free event beginning at 5.30 for families. The ceremonial puck drop, silent auction, raffle and other activities are set. Again this year Scotiabank is the lead sponsor followed by many others. The teams are chosen by coaches of Leaside Hockey Association and may attend by the strength of that invitation alone. This year some 2,100 kids will participate.