The Wolverines hockey team is used to winning on the ice, but winning a national contest off skates is something new.
Thursday, the First Nation atom development team was told they are one of a lucky few to win CBC’s Scotiabank Hockey Tonight Kids contest. As the main prize, the Wolverines will be featured on the pre-game show, Scotiabank Hockey Tonight, prior to CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada sometime in December.
“Certainly the kids are thrilled that this is going to be happening,” said Wolverines head coach Randy Merkel, who admits
the contest selection process is a bit of a mystery. “Because it’s a First Nation team might have something to do with it. They probably didn’t get that many applications from the Yukon - maybe that’s part of it.
“The kids sure are excited.”
Of the 10 winning teams so far listed on the CBC website - two of which happen to be sponsored by Scotiabank - the Wolverines are the only First Nation team.
The atom squad has Karee Vallevand to thank for the upcoming nationwide exposure.
A mother of a Wolverines player, Vallevand entered the contest by sending in a short description of the team with a photo to the CBC.
“I entered the team on a whim,” said Vallevand. “(A contest organizer) said she’s pretty sure we’re the first team in the Yukon to be selected.”
Established last year, the Wolverines team has already had considerable success, winning gold at an Anchorage tournament in February.
The team will also receive a pizza party and Hockey Night in Canada team towels.
“I’m really excited to do it, to say, Hockey Night in Canada on TV,” said Wolverine Jordan Vallevand.
“I was excited because almost everyone in Canada will know the Wolverines,” added teammate Jedrek Dendys.
The Wolverines are traveling to Haines Junction for a pair of exhibition games on Saturday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Contact Tom Patrick at
tomp@yukon-news.com