Over the last 30 years, the Terry Casey Memorial Cup has brought hockey teams from around the state and Canada to Great Falls.
The tournament is organized in honor of Great Falls native, Terry Casey, who took his hockey skills from Great Falls to college and the U.S. National Hockey Team.
He was named Captain of the 1968 Olympic team, but he tragically died in a car wreck before that team took the ice.
Now his legacy continues through the yearly tournament.
This year, nine teams are competing in the Casey Cup, which organizers said is down from the 12 to 16 teams that normally play.
Despite the decline, organizers said the tournament still has an impact on hockey and the Great Falls community.
“It’s a huge economic impact,” said tournament director Cheyney Lorenz. “Most teams have about 15 players per team and they bring mom and dad with them to do shopping and of course they’re staying in hotels and eating at the local restaurants.”
Participating teams are the Great Falls Americans, Bow River Bruins, Bow Valley Flames, Calgary Saints, Fort Macleod Mavericks, Gillette Wild, Helena Bighorns, Simons Valley Storm and the Southside Thunder.
Organizers said tournament play will finish up around noon on Sunday.
-Reported by Joe Huisinga/MTN News
