The forthcoming second annual James Berg Memorial Hockey Tournament is scheduled to take place in Virgil on Saturday, December 23rd. Organisers of the event have endeavoured to make this year’s tournament even more exceptional than the last. Matt Friesen suggested the notion of having Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa act as a referee for a game or two, and the Berg family enthusiastically assented. Despite initially hesitating due to his prolonged absence from the ice, Zalepa was eager to accept the invitation.
This tournament, a community event that unites locals who have been involved in the Niagara-on-the-Lake Wolves Minor Hockey Association, pays tribute to James Berg, the former president of the Wolves organisation and a highly respected figure in the community. Last year, the tournament raised $5,500 through entry fees, concession sales, and donations. In August, the Berg family presented a cheque for $4,500 to the Wolves and established the James Berg Memorial Scholarship, which was bestowed upon 18-year-old Sam Walker.
This year, the Berg family aims to include a barbecue and a raffle table to the event, in order to raise even more funds for minor hockey. With regards to the tournament’s popularity, Madison Berg mentioned that they had to decline four teams this year and expressed hopes for expanding the tournament in the future.
The Local Lord Mayor, Gary Zalepa, is eagerly anticipating officiating at the tournament and fondly recollects his past experiences as a referee. He jokingly remarked that he hopes the players will take it easy on him and plans to depend on his fellow officials during the games.
For further details about this year’s tournament and scholarship application, please visit the Wolves’ official website at https://notlhockey.com/.
The 2nd Annual James Berg Memorial Hockey Tournament pledges to be a joyous and significant occasion that unites the community in support of a noble cause. We eagerly await witnessing how the tournament progresses and positively influences minor hockey in the region.