9th Annual Tyler Wilcox Memorial Squirt Tournament

The Oahe Hockey Association hosted the 9th Annual Tyler Wilcox Memorial Squirt Tournament at the Expo Center in Ft. Pierre on January 16-18th.  Tyler lost his three year battle with cancer at 2005 at the age of 19.  He was a unique young man who loved playing and who left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him due to his leadership and positive attitude.

In addition to two Oahe Capitals teams, Rushmore, Brookings, Sioux Falls and Huron were also represented for a total of 5 teams in each of two divisions.Following round robin play in each division, Rushmore Black was crowned champion of the B Division and Huron All Stars in the C Division.

In memory of Tyler, a sportsmanship award was presented to one player from each team.  From Oahe Hockey Association, “[I]t’s a special honor presented to a player who continually shows a positive attitude toward the game, being a team player and presenting as a leader on and off the ice. Tyler is also remembered at the conclusion of each of the tournament games. Players meet in the center of the rink, tap their stick on the ice five times and then raise them to the sky.”  Recipients of the award for the Capitals were Alyssa Stahl and Ashton Lee.