Lakeland Wolf Pack to welcome province’s best atSpecial Olympics Sask. Floor Hockey Championship
The Lakeland Wolf Pack will face their toughest opponents yet this season when they host teams from across Saskatchewan in Prince Albert for the 2023 Special Olympics Saskatchewan Floor Hockey Championship.
Teams from Regina, Humboldt, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Swift Current will all make the journey north with a chance to represent Saskatchewan on the line at the national championships in Calgary.
“We’re very, very excited,” said Tyler Kowalski, head coach of the Wolf Pack. “The athletes have been looking forward to this all year and are ready to go.”
The Wolf Pack begins Saturday’s tournament with a duel against the Regina Vipers in Pool 1. Even with a spot in a national tournament at stake, Kowalski said he wants his players to keep it simple and have fun.
“The provincial tournaments are held every four years, so it’s a great opportunity to be there,” he said. “Just seize the moment, have fun and enjoy it.”
Special Olympics Prince Albert received a major boost from a group of local entrepreneurs that allowed them to host the tournament this weekend. The latest came from Canadian Tire and Malcolm Jenkins, who donated $10,000 to help fund the tournament.
“Having partners like Malcolm and the Canadian Tire Prince Albert team is critical to creating opportunities for Special Olympics athletes,” said Faye Matt, CEO of Special Olympics Saskatchewan. “With their financial support, we can ensure that the competition is affordable and accessible to all the athletes who have worked hard for this championship.”
Kowalski said other local entrepreneurs, such as the Broda Group and Mona Selanders, have also pitched in with donations to enable teams from across Saskatchewan to make the trip.
Carlton Comprehensive Public High School also donated the use of its gym for the tournament, and local country music star Donny Parenteau has agreed to provide music for their Saturday night dance.
“It’s great,” said Kowalski.
The Wolf Pack prepared for this weekend’s tournament with a play against the Prince Albert U15A Foxes on Wednesday. The Wolf Pack emerged victorious with a 4-3 win at Riverside School.
For a full schedule, visit www.specialolympics.ca/saskatchewan.
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Jason Kerr is an editor at the Prince Albert Daily Herald. You can reach him at extension 306-764-4276. 248, by email at [email protected] or on Twitter @kerr_jas. His latest articles can be found at https://paherald.sk.ca/author-jasonkerr/.
