An annual female hockey tournament has a new name.
The Kelowna Minor Hockey Association recently announced that this weekend’s female Peewee, Bantam and Midget divisions would be taking part in the first annual Alley’s Tournament of Hearts.
The tournament is dedicated to the memory of Alexandra “Alley” Nyuli, the young woman who died earlier this year when her car left the road on Highway 33 in January.
Teams from all over the province, and from as far away as Campbell River are taking part this year. Alley’s family is also involved, with her father Curtis dropping the ceremonial puck before each medal game, and also helping with the ceremonies afterwards.
“I think it’s a really nice touch to have the parents doing the medals,” said Jason Roberts, a volunteer father with the tournament.
“One, we’re giving medals, which doesn’t happen often. And two, the participation of the family."
The 21-year-old woman had a long history with Kelowna Minor Hockey, and grew up in the system after first learning to skate on a rink built in her parents' backyard.
Alley would go on to captain her AAA Midget team to a tournament win in California, and participate in an exhibition game against the Swedish National team, while also playing for Canada at a tournament in 2011.
The tournament of hearts wrapped up Sunday at the Rutland Arena.