Tyler Wilcox Memorial Squirt Hockey Tournament

The Oahe Hockey Association will host the 10th Annual Tyler Wilcox Memorial Squirt Tournament January 15 - 17, 2016 at the Expo Center in Fort Pierre. Teams from five different hockey associations will complete for top honors in the round-robin format tournament. The Squirt level is comprised of 9 - 11 year olds.
 

The tournament is held each year in honor of Wilcox who began playing when the Oahe Capitals were just getting underway as an association. Tyler's love of the game and positive attitude was an inspiration to many of his teammates. he was diagnosed with cancer in 2002 and fought a courageous battle until he passed away in 2005. The tournament is one way the Oahe Capitals keep his spirit alive.

 

To commemorate the 10th anniversary, an opening ceremony will be held on Saturday morning. At the conclusion of the tournament, one player from each team is selected to receive a Tyler Wilcox Sportsmanship Award. It's a special honor presented to a player who continually shows a positive attitude toward the game, being a team player and presenting as a leader both on and off the ice. Tyler is also remembered at the conclusion of each tournament game. Players meet in the center of the rink, tap their sticks on the ice give times and raise them to the sky.

 

Games begin Friday evening, continue all day Saturday and Sunday. There is no gate fee to attend. A free-will donation and raffle help off-set the cost with partial proceeds going to the Tyler Wilcox Memorial Foundation