It was a moving start to the Dudley Hewitt Cup Tuesday at the Dryden Memorial Arena.
Indigenous drummers welcomed all participants at the opening ceremony.
Some high profile speakers helped kick-off the tournament.
They included Mayor Greg Wilson, Eagle Lake First Nation Chief Arnold Gardner, Kenora MP Bob Nault and Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell.
Wilson talked about how important the game of hockey is to bring a community together, while Campbell congratulated the teams and volunteers for making it this far.
Gardner thanked the Dryden Minor Hockey Association for developing local skills, specifically recognizing Eagle Lake’s Trevor Kavanaugh and Matthew Pitchenese.
Nault indicated that hosting tournaments like this is a huge economic driver for the community.
He says it brings hundreds of people into town, filling-up hotels, motels and restaurants.
Nault says it’s a big business if it’s structured right.
He notes it’s a lot of work, but notes it’s good for the economy overall.
Nault adds the event puts northwestern Ontario on the map and shows that the Ice Dogs and the City really take this kind of tournament seriously.
Ice Dogs President Mike Sveinson stated that this is a community event and encouraged everyone to enjoy it.
He also dedicated the tournament to the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team.
Games Wednesday are at 2:30 and 7:30.
@CJHL_DHC opening ceremonies underway in @CityofDryden #hockey pic.twitter.com/C0Nvy6Npe6
— @ckdrnews (@ckdrnews) May 1, 2018
