The provincesa国际传媒檚 best 2009-born hockey players were showcasing their talent over the weekend, at the first ever Up My Hockey (UMH) 68 Invitational Hockey Showcase.
Put on by NHL alumni Jason Podollan, the tournament was a way to get more sa国际传媒榖est on bestsa国际传媒� competition for the top U15 players from across the province.
sa国际传媒淭his concept came to me as I was driving away disappointed from my experience at the provincial tournament in Penticton in May,sa国际传媒� said Podollan, who runs the UMH program as a mindset development coach. sa国际传媒淚 felt the event could have been way better.sa国际传媒�
The idea of UMH 68 was conceived, hatched and executed in just 30 days, with 48 players from all across the province converging in Vernon for three days of competitive hockey.
sa国际传媒淏eing an ex-professional myself, I was trying to provide a professional experience for these players. The kids had food, drinks available, along with their own stall and nameplates,sa国际传媒� Podollan explained. sa国际传媒淭here were a lot of wide eyes walking through the locker room.sa国际传媒�
Three teams (black, red and white) of 16 players each played four games throughout three days.
In the stands throughout the weekend were WHL and NHL scout evaluators, as former NHLersa国际传媒檚 Jerred Smithson and Mark Ferner were behind the bench coaching the teams. There was also a players banquet, where the kids got to hear stories from a slew of former professionals.
The event was broadcast on Facebook, with commentating from current West Kelowna Warriors play by play man Trevor Miller.
The leading points getter of the tournament was Vernonsa国际传媒檚 own Dominik Silbernagel, with six goals and five assists in just four games. His team (black) ended up winning the whole tournament, with a 3-1 record.
sa国际传媒淓ach team played each other twice,sa国际传媒� said Podollan. sa国际传媒淚t was more about competition between the players and to experience and be educated on their hockey journey.sa国际传媒�
sa国际传媒淣aturesa国际传媒檚 Fare (Market) stepped up to provide nutrition. Biosteel was a major help as was Nik Roughton Realty, who was a sponsor of the tournament all-stars. I was so grateful for all the support from the community.sa国际传媒�
Podollan was blown away by the success of the weekend, with his phone sa国际传媒渂lowing upsa国际传媒� with messages.
sa国际传媒淚 am super excited to keep this growing next year,sa国际传媒� he said. sa国际传媒淚tsa国际传媒檚 going to be fun to market it for a full 12 months, rather than the 30 days I had for the first event.sa国际传媒�
The hopes of creating more invitationals, for the players at the peewee level (age 11-12) is also on his mind.
sa国际传媒淭he separation (of skill) is even greater at that level, so I would love to grow it.sa国际传媒�
For more information, and full stats from the weekend games, visit the .
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