Spring On Ice 2023
We were thrilled to be part of the Spring On Ice 2023 Hockey Tournament again this year. We have been working with Spring On Ice (SOI) for the last 7 years and have met some amazing people along the way!
Spring On Ice started 16 years ago by then KC Knights (now KC South). Parents of players wanted to throw a fun year end tournament - except for the 2 years that things were shut down for Covid - SOI has run every year mid March. Teams from all over Western Canada come to Edmonton to play some awesome Hockey.
In the early years there were 16 to 20 teams participating, this year there were 57 teams with almost a 1000 players from Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan and Northwest Territories in the U9, U11 and U13 divisions. The most teams in the tournament’s history was in 2022 with 66 teams coming to play. SOI Tournament Director Shauna Feller has organized the Tournament since it’s inception when her children were playing with the KC Knights Organization. Shauna’s kids have long since aged out of the tournament, but she has continued as the Tournament Director because she loves seeing the kids have a great time. She has a huge staff of volunteers that give their time and energy to making the tournament a success.
Not only are there hockey games at multiple arenas in Edmonton, but Shauna also organizes a silent auction, gift basket draws and 50/50’s. In addition to the games Shauna works with groups and business around Edmonton to allow visiting teams the opportunity to experience some of the cool sights in and around Edmonton. A highlight this year was that she helped arrange for 25 of the teams to take in the Oiler’s game on Saturday night. For some of these parents and players, this was their first opportunity to see a live NHL game.
It takes a great deal of time and planning to have the tournament run so smoothly. Shauna does an amazing job every year and always has some cool swag for the players to take home with them. This year cow bells and clackers were the big hit and allowed the spectators to make lots of noise to cheer on their players.
In early discussions with Shauna about this year’s tournament, we wanted to do something a bit different. Many of the teams come from small communities and don’t get the opportunity to have team photos done. So, this year the Spring on Ice Tournament covered the cost for each team to book in and have a Team Power Poster made. 24 of the 57 teams booked in and players and parents walked away with a great keepsake from the Tournament.
Planning an event like this takes so much time and effort, but Shauna does it because she loves it. She does it because the kids need it, and she does it because it makes her smile to see all of them so happy! Thank you Shauna for all your hard work! We love being part of Spring On Ice!
