This tournament has been happening for years, here are some stories of the very important people behind it.
Mrs. Myles was a dedicated member of the Vernon & District Minor Hockey Association, contributing over 15 years of service. As a founding member of the “Mothers’ Auxiliary to Minor Hockey,” she became a beloved figure in the community. In 1965, she was awarded a Life Membership in recognition of her tireless efforts. Her dedication earned further recognition in 1968 when the CAHA presented her with a Scroll of Merit for her exceptional service to hockey and her commitment to the physical and mental development of young Canadians.
Born in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Alex Kuly played Junior Hockey with the Portage Terriers and later joined the Flin Flon Bombers as a defenseman. During the war, he served in the Air Force as a physical education instructor before returning to the Bombers. Kuly also played for Kamloops, coached in Vernon, and was head referee for the Okanagan Mainline Minor Hockey Association. After transferring to Quesnel as a Forest Ranger, he coached the Kangaroos. Returning to Vernon in 1961, he remained a passionate supporter of Minor Hockey.
Born in Nelson and raised in Revelstoke, Mickey McMahon moved to Vernon in 1951 to work as a telegrapher for the CPR. His passion for hockey led him to join Minor Hockey in 1968, managing the pup division and Pee Wee rep teams. With coach Walt Trentini, he guided the team to “A” Division victory in 1973 and “B” Division in 1974. Serving as Minor Hockey President in 1975-76, Mickey earned a Scroll of Merit in 1972 from the Canadian Legion and was honored with a Life Membership in the Vernon Minor Hockey Association in 1977.
Born in Vernon on July 22, 1936, Michael Barton “Mickey” Ogasawara excelled in multiple sports. Starting in Pee Wee hockey, he advanced through bantam and midget rep teams, winning valley titles. In 1952, he helped the Vernon Juveniles Hockey Club win the B.C. Championship and, in 1953, was part of the B.C. Juvenile Lacrosse Championship team. In 1954, he played catcher for Nick’s Aces softball team, winning the B.C. Senior “B” Championship. A member of the 1956 Vernon Junior Hockey team, Mickey also served as head referee for the N.O. Hockey League.
Active in Junior A and minor hockey in Vernon since 1958, Ernie Kowal, known as ‘Esso Ernie,’ held roles as coach, manager, vice-president, and president of the Vernon Minor Hockey Association. He co-owned the Vernon Essos of the B.C. Junior Hockey League and, with his brother-in-law Vern Dye, managed the Junior A franchise for over 20 years, often using their own vehicles to transport players. A volunteer firefighter and former RCMP Auxiliary member, Ernie passed away on December 12, 1997, at 63, leaving behind his son Tom, an NHL referee, and daughter Sue.
Born in Lytton, B.C., in August 1944, Dan Oxnard moved to Vernon in 1966 and served as a professional firefighter for 28 years. Off duty, he raised funds for Muscular Dystrophy and the B.C. Burn Unit. In 1975, he joined Minor Hockey, dedicating 12 years as a coach, team manager, and executive, including roles as Director, Vice President, and President. Known for his willingness to help, Dan played a key role on the Pee Wee Hockey tournament committee starting in 1985, contributing to its success for eight years.
Joining the committee three years after the tournament’s inception, Rienie served as ice ambassador for minor hockey, a division manager, and executive board member. He was a regular in the scorekeeper’s box at the old Vernon Civic Arena during Lakers’ games. Rienie also contributed to minor baseball as an umpire and division manager. His oldest son, Ken, has been a successful general manager for the Edmonton Oilers and Detroit Red Wings with four Stanley Cups from his time with them, while his youngest son, Dennis, is an NHL scout for the Dallas Stars.
Eddie Johnstone, a former Canadian professional ice hockey player, competed in the WHA with the Michigan Stags/Baltimore Blades and played nearly ten NHL seasons with the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings. Born in Brandon, Manitoba, and raised in Vernon, British Columbia, he transitioned to coaching after his playing career. From 1987 to 1992, he coached the junior Vernon Lakers in the BCHL, leading them to back-to-back Centennial Cup championships in 1990 and 1991, solidifying his legacy in Canadian hockey.
We are currently running a silent auction and adding items daily.
Please head to the link below and see if there is anything you may like to bid on!
All item proceeds go back into the community and future tournaments.
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