It’s one of the north’s great hockey traditions. Now entering its 41st year, the Roller Goodwin Hockey Tournament skates into the Whitney Forum this weekend.
From July 29 to 31, players of all ages and skill levels hit the ice to play in the tournament’s three divisions – competitive teams, family teams and the over-50 division. Participants include Flin Flon residents and former Flin Flon Bomber stars, as well as – possibly – a former NHLer or two.
“There are a few returning Bombers and guys like that who play,” said tournament organizer Stewart Lloyd. “You just never know who you’re going to get.”
The family division includes teams made up of friends and members of area families, including the Stallards, Quinns, Broughs and Crones.
The division for competitive teams features players from far and wide, with team names like the Doughboys and Kro’s Pros.
The atmosphere of the games is usually lighthearted and casual, almost like childhood pond hockey.
A crucial part of the event is the over-50 division. Added to the tournament only a few years ago, the division plays in shinny-style hockey.
“We usually get about 20 to 30 guys, and we just throw the names in a hat,” Lloyd said. “We only play two games, but we mix it up a bit.”
The tournament is named in honour of “Roller” Goodwin, a Flin Flon-area miner and character known for his passion for motorcycling.
Goodwin passed away in the ’90s. After his death, the tournament was renamed in his memory.
Lloyd knew Goodwin. “He was kind of an icon. He was different,” Lloyd said. “I worked with him in the smelter actually, in the early ’60s. He was a really docile fellow, a really nice guy.”
The Roller Goodwin is usually played over the August long weekend. Flin Flon hosts every second year, with locations like Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, Banff, Kelowna and Warman SK having hosted in the past.
Last year’s tournament was held in Winnipeg. Next year’s location has not yet been named.
In addition to organizing the tournament, Lloyd will be playing in the over-50 division. “I’ve played in it for the last, I’d say, 15 years.”
In anticipation of the tournament, Lloyd has been closely inspecting the Whitney Forum facilities. He says everything seems ready to go. “I haven’t been on the ice yet, but I’ve been down there,” he said. “The ice looks really good there.”
The tournament begins on Friday, July 29 with the first of two over-50 games. The first game is set to begin at 6:30 pm at the forum.
Games continue all day Saturday, from 8 am to 10:45 pm, and from 10:30 am to 4:15 pm on Sunday. The full schedule can be found on Facebook by searching Roller Goodwin Hockey tournament 2016.
