Hey everyone, today I want to talk about something that’s been a big part of my life recently – the Avon Hockey Tournament. It was a wild ride, and I’ve got a story to tell, so buckle up!
Getting Started
It all kicked off when I saw a post about the 29th Annual Thanksgiving Tournament hosted by Avon Hockey. The dates were set for November 29th to December 1st, 2024. I thought, “Why not give it a shot?” It seemed like a great opportunity to get back on the ice and have some fun. I rounded up a few buddies who were just as eager, and we started to get our act together.
Preparing for the Tournament
First things first, we needed to register. I found out that the registration was live on their website. The tournament was a USA Hockey tier 3 event, which was perfect for us. We weren’t pros, but we weren’t exactly beginners either. They had divisions like Bantam A and B, and PeeWee A, A1, and B. We decided to sign up for Bantam A – it sounded like the right level of competition for us.
- Register the Team: Headed to the website and got us signed up.
- Gather the Gear: Made sure everyone had their equipment in check.
- Practice Sessions: We hit the local rink a few times a week to shake off the rust.
The Big Weekend
The tournament was held at a couple of venues, Avon Old Farms and Simsbury Farms. We played a minimum of three cross-ice games, which was a blast. The games were fast-paced, and each one had a USA Hockey Certified Referee, so everything was legit and fair.
The atmosphere was electric. Families and friends came out to cheer, and the energy in the arenas was something else. We weren’t just playing for ourselves; we felt like we were part of something bigger, a community of hockey lovers all gathered for the love of the game.
Checking the Scores
After each game, we were eager to see how we stacked up. I found out about this site, GameSheet, where they posted all the scores and standings. It was super convenient to just check it from time to time to see where we stood and who our next opponents might be.
- Game 1: We won! It was a close one, but we pulled through.
- Game 2: Lost this one, but it was a great match. Learned a lot from the other team.
- Game 3: Tied. It was a nail-biter right to the end.
Reflecting on the Experience
Overall, the Avon Hockey Tournament was an incredible experience. It wasn’t just about the games; it was about the camaraderie, the competition, and the sheer joy of playing hockey. We didn’t win the whole thing, but we had a fantastic time and made some great memories.
I’m already looking forward to next year’s tournament. Who knows, maybe we’ll take home the trophy next time! But even if we don’t, it’s all about getting out there, playing hard, and enjoying the game. That’s what it’s all about, right?
So, if you’re thinking about joining a hockey tournament, I say go for it! It’s an experience you won’t forget. And who knows, maybe I’ll see you on the ice at the next Avon Thanksgiving Tournament!