Witchekan Lake Bisons, Big Island Lake Sabres Victorious at LWC XIV
- EFN Staff | February 26, 2014
Nôtinito sÎpÎ (the Battlefords), Treaty Six Territory - The 14th annual Lawrence Weenie Cup (LWC) Tomahockey tournament was held in North Battleford and Red Pheasant on February 15 and 16 and featured six masters teams and eight Sr Rec teams.
In the end, it was the squad from Witchekan Lake that captured the Sr Rec division in an exciting championship game. The competition in the big game was Crazy Horse Riders, a rez hockey club from Alexis, Alberta-Treaty Six Territory.
"This LWC tourney was unique because we attracted the Crazy Horse Riders to come all this way and they certainly put on a great show," said LWC Founder and organizer, Milton Tootoosis, son of the late Lawrence Weenie. "We were very pleased with the quality of play, the sportsmanship and competitiveness of all fourteen teams this year. It set the model for future LWC tournaments," he added.
The Sr Rec final game ended in a tie after regulation time and had to go into overtime. Neither club could seal it away so it had to go into a three player shoot out. The Bisons won the Cup, bragging rights and the six thousand dollar prize. Trent Campbell, a retired Jr, College, AHL, ECHL and European pro hockey player, was selected the tournament MVP.
In the masters division, it was Big Island Lake (BIL) Sabres all the way. The Sabres was lead by former Sr league star Travis Cunningham, a Métis from northern Alberta. Cunningham was named the MVP in the masters division for his prolific offensive scoring skills. Onion Lake Borderchiefs were runner up. The masters division continues to grow and organizers say it was very encouraging to see so many of the older guys look forward to the LWC each year.
"My late father was all about promoting active physical lifestyles, fitness and sportsmanship. I think my father would be very pleased to see so many guys over 40 years of age on the ice. With diabetes and obesity a significant health issue in First Nations communities keeping physically active is a major proactive strategy to combating illness," said Tootoosis.