Orillia is hosting the 2024 U15 A Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) championship tournament this weekend at Rotary Place.
The Millwood Logistics Orillia Terriers U15 team will play host to the Temiskaming Shores Puckhounds, the Copper Cliff Reds, the Woodstock Jr. Navy Jets and the Woolwich Wildcats.
The event begins Thursday evening with a banquet for players, coaches and staff at the Best Western Plus Mariposa Inn and Conference Centre.
Event co-chair Andy Long says the banquet provides players the chance to meet each other and make new friendships.
"It gives them a chance to get a handle on what to expect at the tournament," he said.
During the banquet, players will hear from guest speaker and former Orillia Travelways star forward Adam Lewis.
On Friday, the games begin at 10 a.m. The Terriers play their first game versus Woodstock at 12:45 p.m. Opening ceremonies for the tournament take place at 6:45 p.m., right before the Terriers play their second game of the tournament against Copper Cliff.
"There's going to be dry ice for the kids when they are coming out of the tunnel," Long said. "It's going to be quite an experience for them."
He says the event will be important for players, fans and the City of Orillia.
"We are bringing a lot of money to the city," Long said. "We are also bringing in a lot of recognition for the Orillia Minor Hockey Association."
While the main goal is for the players to enjoy a unique hockey experience, Long expects the hometown team to compete for the OHF championship trophy this weekend.
"When our kids play well, and we play at our calibre, we can compete with these other teams," he said.
A few weeks ago, the Terriers U15 squad finished 1-1-1 at the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) championships, just one point away from advancing to the semifinals.
"If the kids play as well as they did at the OMHAs and stay out of the box, we have a good chance to make it to Sunday," Long said. "Only four teams make it to Sunday, and the fifth team is out on Saturday night."
A weekend pass to the tournament costs $25, or $15 for seniors, which includes a program. Single-day tickets cost $10, or $6 for seniors. Children 10 and younger with an adult get in for free.
"You are going to see some of the top teams in the province competing," Long said. "These are top-notch teams who have won their way to being deserving to be here."
He thanks Amanda Weaver, Jess Willison, Barb Pololmski, Brad Carnahan, Trisha Scott and the Orillia Terriers U15 parent group, who have all volunteered over the past six months to bring the event to Orillia.
"They have been fantastic," he said. "Everyone has dug in and taken on some big tasks. It's a lot of work."
He also thanks everyone who has sponsored the tournament.
"These sponsors have been fabulous," he said. "The community of Orillia has been very strong in supporting this and it's really helped us get here."
A full schedule of events and more information about the OHF championship tournament can be found on the event's Facebook and Instagram pages.
