Cypress River reigning chapions of local tournament
Cypress River may be a small community, but it has a big heart – and that was on full display this past weekend during the Annual Old Timers Hockey Tournament and Mixed Curling Bonspiel. The event, held at the Cypress River Gardens, brought together players, spectators, and volunteers for a weekend of friendly competition and community spirit.
Brad Anderson, chairman of the Multipurpose Committee, shared that this year’s tournament featured six hockey teams and 14 curling rinks. The action-packed weekend kicked off with a Roast Beef Supper and Calcutta on Friday evening. Kitchen manager Linda Berry described it as an incredibly busy but rewarding event, serving 70 meals that night and countless hamburgers throughout the weekend. The Calcutta was also a success, generating $250 per rink, with 25% going back to the local committee.
Following the buffet on Friday evening Brad Anderson officiated a special tribute to Barry “Snork” Nordal, who dedicated years of service to the local rink in various roles from 1991 to 2016. Barry, who passed away on January 8th, was fondly remembered for his contributions, from maintaining both the curling and hockey ice to tying countless pairs of skates for young players. His family was deeply touched by the recognition, with his youngest daughter, Tiffany, expressing gratitude to the committee for honouring her father’s legacy.
The Cypress River Coyotes proved their dominance for the second year in a row in the hockey rink, edging out Killarney in a nail-biting championship game on Saturday evening. “It was serious business this year,” one spectator said with a laugh, noting that the Coyotes were well aware Killarney was determined to reclaim the title.
The combination of competition, camaraderie, and community support made for another memorable fun weekend in Cypress River – one that organizers and participants alike will be talking about until next year’s event rolls around!
PHOTO CAPTION: Cypress River Coyotes downed Killarney by a score of 8-5 in the final game on the “A” side on Saturday, February 1 at the Cypress Gardens. There were six teams participating. PHOTO BY SUZANNE PADDOCK
