The 39th Annual Copper Country Oldtimer’s Hockey Tournament is scheduled to commence this weekend, commencing on Thursday evening at the Dee Stadium and the Houghton County Arena. Enthusiasts of hockey across various age groups are poised to engage in what promises to be a lively and spirited event, teeming with competitive fervour.
The tournament will commence with a match between the Calumet Generals and Traverse City 60-plus team at 5 p.m. at Dee Stadium, followed by subsequent games at the Calumet Colosseum from Friday to Sunday. Tom Pintar, the tournament director, has observed that the event has maintained remarkable levels of interest and enthusiasm year after year.
“The commitment from the league players and the teams that come and play every year is truly remarkable,” Pintar articulated.
The tournament’s popularity has garnered early interest from teams, with expressions of interest as early as August. Pintar revealed that the committee has received inquiries from new teams eager to participate, indicating widespread excitement and anticipation leading up to the event. The tournament has expanded this year, welcoming new teams and divisions to accommodate the growing interest.
Teams from various locations such as Cokato, Minnesota, the Twin Cities, Traverse City, and the Detroit area routinely make the journey to participate in the longstanding tournament. In addition, the Women’s Division has been split into two, with the addition of a 70-plus Division.
Reflecting on the tournament’s growth, Pintar noted that the expansion in teams and divisions has presented logistical challenges. As teams continue to express interest in participating, the committee is mindful to maintain the tournament’s manageability without compromising the overall experience for players and attendees. Pintar has stressed the importance of preserving the integrity and quality of the games as the tournament evolves, hinting at potential adjustments to game formats and durations in the future.
The committee’s decision to split the Women’s Division represents a significant step towards ensuring that all participants enjoy a balanced and competitive experience. By establishing separate divisions based on skill levels, the tournament aims to deliver engaging gameplay for all participating teams.
An outstanding feature of the Oldtimer’s tournament is the broad age range of its participants, ranging from 21 years old to over 70. This underscores how hockey transcends age, allowing individuals to continue enjoying the game despite their skill level or years of experience on the ice.
Moreover, Pintar expressed appreciation for the sponsors and the local community for their continued support in ensuring the tournament’s success each year. The contributions from sponsors and businesses play a pivotal role in organizing and hosting the event, and their support is greatly acknowledged.
The tournament’s schedule is filled with games at various rinks from Thursday to Sunday, affording spectators ample opportunities to enjoy thrilling matchups and competitive contests across different divisions. With games scheduled throughout the weekend, the Oldtimers Hockey Tournament promises to be a delightful and entertaining event for both players and hockey enthusiasts.