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DEH GAH GOT'IE KOE/FORT PROVIDENCE
A three-way tie added some extra suspense to the Kingland Ford Hockey Tournament in Fort Providence.

Dakota Burrill, foreground, from Fort Simpson clears the puck out of Nogha's zone while Mike Krutko of the Fort Providence Bulls watches during one of the games at the Kingland Ford Hockey Tournament in Fort Providence. - photo courtesy of Ron Bonnetrouge

Four teams competed in the tournament between Feb. 8 and 10. Coming out of the round robin the Fort Providence Bulls, Lutsel K'e and Nogha from Fort Simpson were all tied with two wins and one loss, said Lawrence Nitsiza, the Hamlet of Fort Providence's recreation director.

The team's standings had to be decided by goals scored for and against. That placed Nogha in first, followed by Lutsel K'e, the Bulls and Fort Providence Storm.

In the semifinals the Bulls defeated Lutsel K'e while Nogha defeated Storm.

The final was a highly anticipated game with a hometown team, the Bulls, facing off against a team, Nogha, it had narrowly beat 6-5 on the first day of the tournament.

The finals were a close game up until the third period, said Darren Hardisty, Nogha's captain.

The score stood at 5-4 for the Bulls leading into the third.

"The third period everyone was tired, exhausted," he said.

The loss of energy combined with some lucky shots allowed the Bulls to win the game 8-4, he said. Hardisty said teamwork coupled with being familiar with each other's plays helped Nogha get into the final.

"It was an all-around good weekend," he said.

A number of individual awards were given out during the tournament. Nogha's Jeff Cholette was named the top scorer of the tournament while Sheldon McKay was honored as the top goalie. Michael Vandell of the Bulls was recognized as the top defensive player.

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