Hockey Hounds Bantam Tournament begins Thursday
MEDICINE HAT, AB — Some of the top bantam hockey players in Western Canada are descending on Medicine Hat this weekend, as the 45th annual Hockey Hounds Bantam Tournament gets underway starting on Thursday.
A total of 16 teams from across Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia are taking part in what’s the longest running bantam hockey tournament in the province. Of the 16 teams, nine are from Alberta, including the local SEAC Tigers.
George Hamel, president of Medicine Hat Hockey Hounds, says the tournament is a popular place for scouts to get a glimpse of players who may make an impact in the junior and professional ranks, noting Chris Osgood and Jarome Iginla both played in the tournament when they were bantam age.
“It’s the chance of a lifetime for these kids,” he said. “All of the WHL scouts are here. If they play good, have a good game, they’re sought after. This tournament is very, very sought after.”