Hockey players from around the region took to the ice this weekend for the annual Taylor Back to School Jamboree.

This tournament was one of the first chances for players from novice to midget to get back on the ice before the start of the season.

“I just like to get on the ice and try on my gear and stuff like that,” said Pee Wee Red player Austin Baxter.

Many of the players in the TB2SJ are rep players.

“This is all about fun, so they get a chance to get on the ice and get to enjoy the first weekend without being stressed out for having to follow coaches rules and the strictness of playing rep hockey,” said tournament organizer Troy Gould.

Pee Wee Red teammate Lane DeRose said the tournament is “excitingly fun.”

The jamboree style tournament allows players to work with kids they would normally compete against.

“They’re all kind of playing on the same team and it’s a good atmosphere to be in. Kids get new friendships,” said Gould.

AHN Staff