A ton of history.

This tournament has been happening for years, here are some stories of the very important people behind it.

"A" DIVISION TROPHY - AMY MYLES TROPHY

Amy Myles Best known for her untiring work with the Vernon & District Minor Hockey Association, Mrs. Myles was a familiar figure around the arena for over 15 years. She was one of the first mothers to start the "Mothers' Auxilliary to Minor Hockey". In April 1965, Minor Hockey said "thank you" to Mrs. Myles by presenting her with a Life Membership in the association. In 1968 the CAHA presented her with a Scroll of Merit in recognition of her outstanding service and dedication to hockey and to the physical and mental development of young Canadians.

Born in Ontario, she moved to Vernon with her husband Dan after the Second World War. She is survived by her husband Dan and one son and daughter. Amy Myles was a true and great friend to all who knew her.

"B" DIVISION TROPHY - ALEX KULY TROPHY

Alex Kuly Born and raised in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Alex Kuly played some of his Junior Hockey with Portage La Prairie Terriers. He then moved to the Flin Flon Bombers defence. During the war he served in the Air Force as a physical education instructor and later returned to play defence for the Flin Flon Bombers. He moved to play defence for Kamloops, and to Vernon where he coached for one season. He was the head referee for the Okanagan Mainline Minor Hockey Association until he was transferred to Quesnel as the Forest Ranger. While in Quesnel he coached the Quesnel Kangaroos. He returned to Vernon in 1961 where he was a strong supporter of Minor Hockey.

"C" DIVISION TROPHY - MICKEY McMAHON TROPHY

Mickey McMahon Born in Nelson, raised in Revelstoke. He came to Vernon in 1951, where he was employed as a Telegrapher for the CPR. His avid interest in sports and a love of hockey, along with his enthusiasm for the younger players started his involvement with Minor Hockey in 1968. He managed the pup division and Pee Wee rep teams. Along with coach Walt Trentini, he took the team to win the "A" Division in 1973 and "B" Division in 1974. Mickey held various positions in Minor Hockey including President, 1975-76. He was presented with a Scroll of Merit in 1972 by the Canadian Legion for his contribution to Minor Hockey. In 1977 he was honoured by the Mother's Auxilliary and was also presented with a Life Membership in the Vernon Minor Hockey Association. He is survived by his wife, one son and a daughter.

"D" DIVISION TROPHY - MICKEY OGASAWARA TROPHY

Michael Barton "Mickey" Ogasawara was born in Vernon July 22, 1936. Mickey started playing hockey as a Pee Wee, then played with the bantam and midget rep teams who won valley titles. In 1952, although of midget age, he helped the Vernon Juveniles Hockey Club to win the B.C. Championship in Trail. In 1953, he played for the Juvenile Lacrosse team, coached by the late Ben Douglas and they won the B.C. Juvenile Championship, defeating New Westminister at the coast. In 1954, he was catcher for Nick's Aces softball team (fastpitch) and won the B.C. Senior "B" Championship in Aldergrove. In 1956, the Vernon Junior Hockey team won the B.C. Championship in Victoria with Mickey as a team member. In 1954 he started work for Kelly Douglas & Co., and became a "25 Year Club" member. After marriage he was head referee for the North Okanagan Hockey League and in the summer he umpired senior baseball games throughout the valley. His two daughters are carrying on his athletic traditions. Mickey passed away October 18, 1981.

DAN OXNARD TROPHY - MOST SPORTSMANLIKE TEAM

Dan Oxnard was born in Lytton, B.C. August 1944 and moved to Vernon in 1966. He was a professional firefighter for the Vernon Fire Department for 28 years. Dan gave a great deal of his time off helping raise money for Muscular Dystrophy and the B.C. Burn Unit. He got involved in Minor Hockey in 1975 where he spent 12 years coaching, managing teams or holding down executive positions as Director, Vice President and President. If there was a job to be done Dan was always there to help. Dan joined the Pee Wee Hockey tournament committee in 1985, spending the next 8 years making it the success it is today. Dan died in a skiing accident in January 1995. Dan is survived by his wife Darlene, daughter Tanis and son David. He is missed by all who knew him.

ERNIE KOWAL TROPHY - COACH'S AWARD

Ernie Kowal was active in Junior A and minor hockey in Vernon since moving to the city in 1958. 'Esso Ernie' served as a coach, manager, vice-president and president in the Vernon Minor Hockey Association and was an owner with the Vernon Essos of the B.C. Junior Hockey League. A volunteer firefighter and former member of the RCMP Auxiliary force, Ernie died December 12, 1997 at the age of 63. He is survived by son Tom (now an NHL referee) and daughter Sue. Ernie and his brother-in-law, Vern Dye, ran the Junior A franchise in Vernon for more than 20 years and the two men used their own vehicles to transport players on road trips. Ernie coached the juvenile Reps in 1983 and made national headlines with a no swearing policy on the team. He was named provincial coach-of-the-year in 1985 after he and Tom led the Vernon Atom Reps to the Okanagan title.

RIENIE HOLLAND TROPHY - VOLUNTEER AWARD

Rienie joined the committee three years after the tournament began. He serviced as the ice ambassador for minor hockey, was a division manager as well as serving on the executive board. He was also a fixture in the scorekeeper’s box at the old Vernon Civic Arena during Vernon Lakers’ games. He was involved with minor Baseball and served as a umpire and division manager. Rienie’s oldest son, Ken, is the general manager of the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers and is one of the most successful general managers in league history winning the Stanley Cup four times with the Detroit Red Wings. Rienie’s youngest son Dennis, is an NHL scout for the Dallas Stars. In the 1978 NHL Entry Draft, Dennis was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in round 3 #52 overall.