BCAA

known for its hard-core skiers and vibrant gold-mining history, presents a dramatically different scenario to Prince George's wild winter terrain. The two tournament rinks are laid out side by side only a couple of blocks from the town's main street. The temperature is a balmy minus four, the sun is shining and there is reggae music booming over the grounds and the aroma of roasting hotdogs in the air. Yet, despite the party-like atmosphere, the climate has again proved problematic for Reed. The tournament was originally scheduled to coincide with Ross- 34 W E S T W O R L D p30-35_Hockey.indd 34 >> land's annual Winter Carnival but had to be postponed a week because the weather was too warm. As a result, 12 of the original 27 teams have dropped out, leaving just 15 squads to vie for bragging rights in three different divisions. Even so, those teams that have been able to make it are enjoying themselves. The Tightie Whities wear stretchy white underwear over their equipment. The Hosers, from Nelson, B.C., are decked out in flannel lumberjack coats, while several members of the Kootenay Valley Railway Gilnockie Ruttin Bucks are sporting the sort of long, flowing wigs once worn by English lords. However much the Ruttin Bucks resemble a comedy troupe, though, they're a skilled team, boasting former semi-pro and college players. One of the bewigged Bucks, Derek Diener (who spent three seasons in the American Hockey League), removes his teeth before taking to the ice. As Reed explains, missing teeth and outlandish costumes are just part of the event's casual atmosphere and the laid-back nature of the town. "We've had players in tuxedos, crazy hats and skirts and dresses – on both men and women's teams." Still, the competitive edge sometimes surfaces. "Last year things got a bit chippy during one of the ladies' games. We had to go out on the ice and physically pull them apart." This marks the third year that Rossland has hosted the Western Regionals. The tourney's success prompted Reed to expand operations by including Prince George in 2011. However, Rossland's uncertain winter weather has prompted him to replace the event in 2012 with a new tournament in Invermere, B.C., and to eventually consider a third site in Jasper, Alberta. Reed's aspirations aren't limited to Western Canada, WINTER 2011 10/25/11 12:00:04 PM

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