For the first time ever, the Muskie boys’ hockey team has been invited to play with the best-of-the-best in the Manitoba Tournament of Champions this week–and the coaches feel they will hold their own.
“I think we will do very well. If we play to our capabilities, we will do well. I guess we will find out,” assistant coach Ken Christiansen reasoned yesterday morning.
To prepare for the eight-team tournament, the team hasn’t taken a break from practice over the Christmas holidays. Christiansen noted he wants the boys to play their best so the Muskies are invited back in future years.
“We want to do well, it will be good competition for us. This is what we need,” he stressed.
The black-and-gold are undefeated in NorWOSSA action so far this season. They also sport an unblemished record in exhibition play versus Minnesota squads–including a pair of wins over the International Falls Broncos.
“We are in with the top teams in Manitoba,” said Christiansen. “It will give us a chance to see how good they are.”
The Muskies will kick off action Thursday afternoon against Silver Heights (Winnipeg). Then they’ll meet Kings Edgehill (Nova Scotia) and River East (Winnipeg) on Friday.
The playoff round will go on the weekend.
Meanwhile, the Muskies will return to NorWOSSA action next Tuesday (Jan. 9) when they visit the Kenora Broncos.
They’ll host Sioux Lookout on Jan. 12-13, they visit Baudette for an exhibition showdown Jan. 16.
The Muskies will wrap up the month by hosting Dryden on Jan. 17 and then competing in the annual Piper Classic tournament in Winnipeg on Jan. 25-28.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
