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As the news that Peterborough’s storied Liftlock Atom Hockey Tournament will see its final puck drop in 2026 sinks in, the tournament’s past chair says that decision was “very, very hard for everybody involved.”
Dan McNamee, who played in the tournament in 1974, and later refereed games and served on the executive for several years, says changes on the minor hockey landscape in terms of tournament regulations and scheduling conflicts, was a major factor behind the decision.
McNamee says finding and retaining volunteers to work year-round on the tournament also proved increasingly difficult, but adds there was never a problem with volunteer help during the actual tournament.
Looking ahead to the final tournament, McNamee assures a fitting last hurrah is planned.
First launched in 1958–59 season a one-day event for peewee players, the Liftlock Atom Hockey Tournament annually welcomed more than 100 teams from Ontario, Quebec and the United States during its peak. Close to 90 future NHL players took part over the years.
(Written by: Paul Rellinger)
