The annual hockey tournament features 25 male and 15 female teams from across Canada, the United States and Europe. In past, the championship games have attracted an estimated 10,000 spectators, while round-robin games have attracted more than 1,000.
A large contingent in attendance also includes scouts from the AJHL, BCHL, WHL and NCAA.
“It’s incredible,” said Adam Manah, head coach of the Midget AAA Storm, of being invited.
“We’re just so happy and fortunate that we did get an invite from the tournament committee. For the players, it’s going to be an unforgettable experience for them. It’s the first time that (GPAC) has ever made it. It’s fantastic, but we’re going down there to obviously enjoy the experience (and) we’re going down there to try and win and that’s the message we’re going to stress going forward and we can’t take our foot off the pedal and we have to keep going to prove to everybody that Grande Prairie belongs there.”
Manah, who has been head coach of the Midget AAA Storm since the 2012-2013 season, said he wasn’t surprised to receive a phone call from the tournament committee on Nov. 10.
“We knew that going into that last weekend against the Calgary Royals and Red Deer that it was make it or break it time for us, if we wanted to have an opportunity of getting in, we would have to win both games and I give full credit to the players. We couldn’t have played two better games down there, especially with us being banged up and a little bit sick,” said Manah, of the teams’ pair of 4-2 road wins.
“Sure enough, we ended getting a call Sunday night and let’s just say I was pretty excited.”
Manah, said the team’s mid-season goal was to qualify for a spot at the tournament. He said the top teams from the AMHL are selected for the tournament.
“We didn’t set the bar low,” noted Manah, of the team’s goal.
“Kudos to the players. We got there and I think we’ve surprised a lot of people in doing it and I know it’s really sent a statement around the league that we’re here to play and we’re going to make a run for playoffs, as well.”
With the large crowds in mind, as well as dozens of scouts, Manah said he has already spoken with other coaches who have taken teams to the tournament in past to find out how the Storm coaching staff and players can prepare for the tournament, as well as tournament distractions.
Sitting in fourth
This season, the Storm are fourth in the Alberta Midget AAA Hockey League’s Dodge Division with a 6-4-4 record.
“We’ve fought the inconsistency bug a little bit where we’ve been up and down a little bit, but for the most part I’ve been pretty happy with how we’ve played every weekend,” said Manah, of their season.
“The work ethic has been there, our identity has been there, we’re playing with structure and we’re executing on a daily basis at practice and in games. It’s just the kids been buying in to what we’re trying to sell – that might be the number one thing... how hard they’ve worked and the dedication and time they’ve put in has been key for us,”
Storm forward Nolan Yaremko is second in league scoring with 15 goals and eight assists.
Manah said Yaremko, an assistant captain, has been an important part of the team’s success. Yaremko attended training camp with the Western Hockey League’s Tri-City Americans earlier this season.
“He’s been unbelievable for us this season. He’s been a great character kid. I can’t say enough about him this season,” said Manah, adding Yaremko was disappointed he didn’t crack the Americans or Junior A Storm roster.
“He’s definitely what it’s going to take to get to the next level. He leads by example in every way, whether it’s on or off the ice. We’re very fortunate to have him this season and he’s been a major reason of why we’re having success so far.”
The Storm have nine games remaining before heading to the tournament – five of which will be at home.
Manah said the challenge moving forward will be making sure the team stays focused. He said their next goal is to earn home ice advantage in the AMHL post-season.
“I told the players (on Tuesday) that (making the tournament) should only motivate us to be better,” said Manah.
The Midget AAA Storm are in action on Nov. 22-23 for a road game against Fort Saskatchewan and Sherwood Park.
Last season the Nor-Lan Chrysler Midget AAA Peace Country Storm attended the tournament and will be attending again this year for the third consecutive year.
logan.clow@sunmedia.ca
Twitter: @DHTLogan