Alumni hockey tournament fills the stands once more

By Rob Vogt

It was chance to renew friendships, relive old memories, and engage in some friendly competition on the ice, all while raising funds for several worthy community organizations.
The second Claresholm Thunder Alumni hockey tournament took to the ice from Friday, March 28 to Sunday, March 30 at Claresholm Arena.
Opening ceremonies were held on Friday afternoon, emceed by Mike Cutler.
He told all those in attendance the inaugural tournament in 2023 raised more than $31,000 that went back to several local organizations.
“On behalf of the organizational committee, we are happy to see everyone here,” Cutler said.
The Claresholm Thunder hockey club started in the 1991-1992 season in the Ranchland Hockey League, and became an integral part of the Claresholm community over the next 11 years.
“Since our last tournament, we have had two of our fellow senior men’s hockey alumni pass away,” Cutler said. “We would like to have a moment of silence to recognize the passing of these two fantastic individuals.”
Roly Cochlan played one year, the 1995-1996 season.
“He was a sportsman on and off the ice, a great friend and teammate to all that knew him,” Cutler said.
“We also want to recognize the loss of Ray Weisensel,” Cutler continued. “Ray was involved with all aspects from the very beginning to the very end of senior hockey in Claresholm.
“He made sure all of us were looked after, before, during and after games. His smile was contagious, and his jokes left everyone laughing.”
The entire arena then fell silent for a moment to honour the memory of these two individuals.
Cutler then welcomed everyone on behalf of the Town of Claresholm, as he is a town councillor, and the organizing committee, which he is a part of along with Jenn Mackin, Don Mackin, Blain McLeod, Dana McLeod, Scott Martineau, and Randy Keller.
Then, Don Mackin, Randy Keller, Blaine Keller, Scott Martineau, Landon Flynn, Jamie Ellice, Brad Krueckl, and Blain McLeod, the captains of the eight teams in the tournament, gathered on the ice for the ceremonial face off.
The puck was dropped by John Cope, the current citizen of the year and a long-time Thunder fan.