Thunder Bay hosts Robin's Minor Hockey Classic

The 32nd Annual Robin's Minor Hockey Classic kicked off in Thunder Bay Thursday.

A total of 151 minor hockey team are set to participate. The 2,500 players involved range from 4 to 17 years old and include A and AA skill levels between U7 to U18.

"It's certainly a very well organized and well run tournament," said tournament vice-chair Kelly Mallon. 

Mallon said that teams are attracted from as far away as Manitoba to play in the tournament. A total of 30 out-of-town teams are attending, including teams from Fort Frances, Geraldton, Longlac, Marathon, Nipigon, Terrace Bay, Schreiber, Dryden, Red Lake and Wawa.

The local teams already play each other frequently, said Mallon, so having out-of-town teams in the mix adds a fun new element to the game. It's also a chance for people across northwestern Ontario to gather to see loved ones, he said. 

"Everyone's got relatives, family, friends from out of town. And it's a great way, even if they're not in the same age group, they can go see each other play or they play each other. And that just adds to the the enjoyment of the event," said Mallon.

The influx of visitors is also an economic boost for the city, he said.  "I don't think there's a spare hotel room in Thunder Bay," Mallon said. 

Spectators expressed excitement for the event.

Michelle Jewell, said she was looking forward to seeing her son's team play, the Fort Frances Predators. She travelled from Fort Frances to watch him play the KC Sabres on Friday morning.

"We come to all of his games. And it was just a three and a half hour drive, so not bad. Roads are good," she said. 

She said she plans to stay the rest of the weekend to watch the rest of his games. 

Lakehead student Chloe Dolyny said she also plans on attending all the Predators games to watch her brother play. 

"When he's here or when I'm home, I always go to them," she said.

The Robin's Minor Hockey Classic continues through to Sunday.