Hockey-starved fans flock to Mac’s midget tournament

 CALGARY- No NHL? No problem.

Hockey fans are getting their fix at the 35th annual Mac’s midget tournament, featuring young players from around the world.

“We always like coming to the Mac’s, it’s good hockey, the kids really like the game…and I’m a little tired of the pros,” says one spectator.

Organizers say it continues to grow, now featuring 40 teams and an estimated 100,000 fans.

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“I think it’s anticipated that at Christmas,” says Byron Steven, tournament chairman. “It’s a big tournament, it gets a lot of recognition and we have it here in our hometown.”

One player getting recognition is Matthew Gelinas-son of former Calgary Flames player Martin Gelinas. Dad says watching his son take the ice with the Calgary Royals is a big thrill.

“I’m not really nervous you know, over the years you learn that you prepare properly, and give everything you got on the ice, and hope for the best,” Gelinas says. “That’s what those kids are doing.”

The week-long tournament wraps up with the championship game on New Year’s Day at the Saddledome.

For information on game times and tickets, click here.

With files from Gary Bobrovitz