East Coast Ice Jam hockey tournament exciting for players and fans

Halifax – It was a weekend filled with excitement for both the players and the fans, as the second annual East Coast Ice Jam took place. Although it’s only the second time the tournament has been held, it has already seen some big changes.

“Last year was just a major midget tournament, we had 18 teams. This year, we added the major bantam division – so another 21 teams – so 40 teams in total compared to 18 last year, which changed everything” said Geoff Newton, Tournament Chair.

“We had over a hundred scouts this year, mostly Quebec league scouts, but there were a couple NHL teams represented, and an NCAA school here. So that’s why we have the tournament, so our Atlantic kids can get scouted better,” Newton said.

The goal for many of the players in the tournament is to be drafted by either a Quebec Major Junior or a US college team. Players say having scouts watch your every move is intimidating, but also exciting.

“Obviously it’s a little extra pressure, a little extra motivation, but that being said, it’s all about the team, and we’re trying to get the win here,” said Jordan Bezanson, a player with the Halifax Macs.

Scouts say they’ve been watching these teams for months, and are using this weekend to pick out potential.

“Our role this weekend is obviously to isolate and look at player. Most of the teams that are here we’ve seen quite a bit of them, so we’re narrowing down our list somewhat and seeing them in good tournament action like this,” said Allie MacDonald, the Chief Scout for The Halifax Mooseheads.

There are already plans to expand the East Coast Ice Jam even more next year, adding teams from Quebec, Ontario, out west and from across the United States.