Locals Landon Van Engelen and Ty Yoder play in Fifth Brettzky Annual

The Fifth Annual Brettzky Hockey Challenge was another tremendous success playing out over the weekend with the help of the famous hockey Sutter clan, with stars from the hockey world and local players doing their bit for this big fundraiser.

Also playing in the tournament were Tofield’s Landon Van Engelen and Ty Yoder for the home Gas Kings team.

The Young Star Game held Friday night was a highlight to kick off the weekend long 5th Annual Brettzky’s Hockey Challenge for 2019. Prior to the game the hockey stars were introduced as the away team of Red Wings and the home team of Gas Kings. They lined up for a group photo of both teams after the game, which ended 2-2 until the Gas Kings made two successful penalty shots to win the game 4-2. PATRICIA HARCOURT PHOTO

Games started Friday culminating in the evening with a Young Stars Game featuring the away team Red Wings versus the home Gas Kings team.

Mayor Jason Ritchie led his four-year-old son William onto the ice to do the official puck dropping ceremony for team representatives Brett Sutter (Gas Kings) and Parker Kelly (Red Wings). The game officially ended with a 2-2 tie but the Gas Kings got two successful penalty shots based on penalties meted out to the other team during the game, giving them the 4-2 win.

The evening featured pre-game introductions of all the young star hockey players who hale from many different hockey venues, and who graciously participated in this fundraiser.

Funds go for Viking youth sports and activities, and organizations that help with the wellbeing of the community. Last year $39,000 went to 13 such organizations in Viking and surrounding area.

At the end of the game Zach Wilson of the Gas Kings and Red Wings goalie Ty Marcinkowski were each given Player of the Game awards by Brettzky committee member Todd Ritchie.

Games took place over the entire weekend for fans to enjoy. There was also a beer gardens, children’s activities and a pancake breakfast on Saturday morning. Saturday evening sponsors, volunteers and players took a break for a meal at the Viking Community Hall. There were live and silent auctions, a 50/50 draw for $2,015, and a Beer for a Year prize followed by a dance featuring 2018 ACMA winner Renegade Station. . . . contd.