Old Fort Floor Hockey tournament returns to honour Michael Badine

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Registration has opened for the Old Fort Floor Hockey tournament, which is hosted by Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) and will take place at Chalo School from November 23rd to 24th.

This will be the first edition since 2017 and will have a special meaning for community residents, as it will honour the late Michael Badine, who passed away in September 2023.

According to event organizer Miranda Dendys, Badine was a consistent participant in prior tournaments and a dedicated athlete.

Dendys works as a Healing & Reintegration Outreach Worker with the First Nation.

“He was always very happy, positive, and enthusiastic,” said Dendys. “When I previously worked with the youth of the community, he showed up at every practice.”

“Being in a new role, I thought it would be a great idea to bring the floor hockey tournament back to the community.”

Open to participants over the age of ten, the unique aspect of the double-elimination competition is that those who pay the registration fee are entered into a draft, and the organizing committee will place them on a team.

According to Dendys, this allows the players to feel “much more evenly matched.” She expects enough participation for a field of seven teams.

“You have to register individually. People can’t register a team on their own,” said Dendys.

The tournament also seeks experienced goaltenders to mind the net as Dendys says finding experienced netminders can be “tough.”

Financial compensation will be given to participating goalies.

The tournament will be open to both band members and non-band members.

Nearby Prophet River First Nation announced via their website that transport would be provided to and from the school for the tournament.

Cash prizes will be handed out to the top three teams, as well as trophies honouring the MVP, and the most sportsmanlike trophy, which will be named after Badine.

The Michael Badine Memorial Old Fort Floor Hockey Tournament takes place at the FNFN Chalo School Gym, located at 4021 Fontas Road in Fort Nelson.

Registration is $5, and concessions will be open until November 20th. The proceeds will go to vouchers for each participant at the tournament to redeem for refreshments.

According to Dendys, this re-distribution of funds helps the entire community.  

More information is available on FNFN’s Facebook page.