Article by:
Frank McGwire
Article by Frank McGwire - Westman Zone - Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Since 1970 the Tournament of Champions has come a long way since the first tournament was held at the old Manex Arena (which used to be where the Roadhouse Bar is now on the west side of the Keystone Centre) and the Shilo Arena. 24 teams competed in the first T of C and it was held in April back then.
54 years later it has grown to be an integral part of the hockey community in Brandon. The T of C has grown in leaps and bounds since its humble beginnings. With 76 teams participating over two weekends of the tourney, Brandon will turn into a virtual hockey town for players aged 11 – 15.
Kris Klemick has been a long-time supporter of Youth Hockey in Brandon. He served on the Hockey Brandon board as well as the T of C board for many years and is now Board Chair of the 2025 Tournament of Champions. “Welcoming players and coaches from all across the Prairie provinces and northern States is no light task. We rely heavily on a core group of volunteers, many who have been helping for decades as well as an organizing committee that begins planning the next one right after the current is done,” said Klemick.
The Tournament of Champions generates a major economic spin-off for Brandon. It’s not only a major sporting event, its a tradition for the players and families of the players who travel to Brandon. “Local and surrounding teams look forward to the T of C from year to year and over the years you could say generation to generation,” Klemick said. A total of approximately 1585 coaches, managers, players, and parents are involved or connected with this event which will have the business sector in B-town buzzing! “An event of this scope brings a lot of activity to the local business community with almost every hotel in Brandon being used by teams attending as well as restaurants and stores all benefitting,” said Klemick.
It’s also an event that sees Klemick’s hockey history come full circle, “I’ve been involved for 9 years with this being my first as Chair of the organizing committee. It’s truly an honor to help organize something I participated in as a player in my youth and having my sons participate in as well,” Klemick said.
As one would imagine, several sponsors and volunteers are needed to make an event of this magnitude possible. “Our volunteer base is amazing! We couldn’t pull it off without the co-operation and support from everyone. Huge thanks go out to our main sponsors Sobey’s Extra as well as Division Sponsors M and M Food Market, Assiniboine College, Westman Communications Group, WCHA, Brandon Source for Sports and East Side Mario's. The main sponsor for Hardest Working Player is KOCH Fertilizer,” Klemick said.
The tournament starts tomorrow at Brandon’s 4 major rinks (Enns, Flynn, Westoba, and J&G Homes Arena).
Tournament of Champions is selling tickets for its weekly 50/50 draws. You can purchase yours online here.
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