The 40th edition of the Leaside Wildcats March Madness Hockey Tournament begins Friday, March 8 and excitement is growing with barely a week left to the first face off. This year Mark Schrutt, new head of the Wildcats association, reports that 177 teams will play. This record turnout beats last year (157) and the previous record of 171 in 2017. There will be more than 3,000 players plus hundreds of moms, dads, grandparents and siblings. The tournament once again demonstrates the power of hockey as a force for the social, competitive and physical growth of young women. Leaside Arena and 18 others in the area will rock to the games.
Leaside ice will be home to the online www.sagoto.com/tlgha/auction and in person auction, photo booth and kids draw and raffle. It is well worth a visit to see the auction prizes and the action as well as people watch. Championship day is Sunday, March 10, where bronze, silver and gold will be handed out. Mr. Schrutt estimates that the tournament will bring in close to $4 million to local businesses. Major sponsors this year include Access Storage, Smart Centre and Lexus on the Park. Most importantly, it is a weekend when the girls will let their skates do the talking about competition. Every single one will emerge a champion.
