When teams with names such as the Doughboys and French Ticklers compete, you know not to take the hockey too seriously.
It was with that easy-going sentiment that the 39th annual Roller Goodwin Memorial Hockey Tournament hit the Whitney Forum ice over the weekend.
“You could more or less say it was just self-satisfaction if you won – no real bragging rights or anything,” said tournament chairperson Stewart Lloyd.
The tournament boasted 13 teams consisting of rec players with some connection to Flin Flon.
Some participants still live here; others had a parent or other relative who grew up here. Others still have played for the Flin Flon Bombers.
Naturally some of the players were more advanced than others. Imagine the thrill that teammates (and opponents) experienced in sharing the ice with Flin Flon-born ex-NHLer Reid Simpson, the best known participant.
Each of the makeshift clubs was placed into one of three divisions: family teams, competitive teams and those whose players are 50 and older.
Most seasoned
Lloyd played forward with one of the latter teams. Though he is almost 67, he wasn’t the most seasoned man on his
bench – that would be Jack Turner, who is in his
mid 70s.
“Some of those guys are still pretty good,” said Lloyd, adding that “at least you have a fighting chance” when everyone on the ice is older.
A sprinkling of fans, consisting of family and friends of the players, occupied the stands for genial games that began Friday night, resumed Saturday and wrapped up Sunday afternoon.
One highlight of the tournament took place away from the ice, as a Sunday evening social took over the R.H. Channing Auditorium.
The Flin Flon Bombers oversaw the bartending and beer gardens, giving the event an authentically Flin Flon feel.
Scott Smith was the lucky winner of a Philadelphia Flyers jersey autographed by legendary Flyer and Bomber Reggie Leach.
Lloyd said next year’s Roller Goodwin tourney is slated for Calgary, but as long as there is sufficient interest it will return to Flin Flon in 2016.
“Every two years, it works here,” said Lloyd. “You just don’t want to run it sour.”
The tournament’s late namesake, Flin Flon native “Roller” Goodwin, is remembered by Lloyd and others as a colourful motorcycle enthusiast.
“He was his own kind of guy he lived in his own little world,” said Lloyd.
Proceeds from the tournament help keep the event alive while also benefitting charities.
There has been talk this year of donating funds to the Flin Flon Minor Hockey Association as well as Habitat 53°, the local branch of Habitat for Humanity.
