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Midget tourney wide open

There's no clear-cut favourite among the 12 teams expected to compete at the 2017 BDO Kelowna Elite Major Midget Hockey Tournament.

The 38th annual event runs from Jan. 11 to 15 at the Rutland Arena and CNC.

Defending champion Waterloo Wolves are not back to defend their title, but there'll be no shortage of suitors on hand to take the title.

One of the favourites every year is the Major Midget Okanagan Rockets.

The Rockets sit second in the BC Major Midget League with a 15-4-0-1 record.

But, first year head coach Eric Blais says there are plenty of strong contenders. 

"I don't know that much about the teams from the prairies, but they're always big and strong and usually more mature than us in age. They usually have a lot more 17-year-olds," said Blais.

"I'd have to say OHA Red from what I know, and what I saw early in the year ... they're a big, strong team and they're doing well in their division. Yale is always good and Burnaby Winter Club has a young, fast team."

The 12 team tournament is split evenly between traditional clubs and hockey academies.

And, while an academy team has never won the tournament, Blais said some very good programs and players will be showcased.

"Just because they don't have major midget stamped on their name, doesn't mean they're not an elite team.

"The CSSHL puts out very good products and some high-end kids that are playing at Yale and Okanagan Academy. And, there are the prairie kids, there are a lot of good hockey players that come out of there."

Some new wrinkles have been added to the tournament this time around.

The tournament will award four scholarships worth $500 each. Title sponsor BDO, Britech and the tournament  will provide the scholarships. Three will go to players and one will go to an official.

The tournament has also teamed up with the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League. The Junior B loop will hold an all-star game during the tournament to showcase the league in front of participating players and scouts in attendance.

Tournament and league officials hope it will become an annual event.

As many as 25 teams showed interest in attending back in August. The 12 selected are all Canadian.

The tournament kicks off Wednesday, Jan. 11. The feature game pits the Okanagan Rockets and Burnaby Winter Club at 7 p.m. in Rutland.



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