Hockey has long been a cornerstone of the Golden community, from Junior hockey to young players first learning to skate.
That tradition made the Golden District Minor Hockey Association’s announcement in September 2025 especially exciting: Golden would host the U18 Tier 4 BC Hockey Championships, held March 14–19.
Hosting a tournament like this takes months of planning, coordination, and a dedicated team of volunteers. Andrea Sherriff, a hockey parent, team manager, and chair of the organizing committee, played a key role in bringing the tournament to Golden.
We spoke with Sherriff about the work behind the scenes, the support from the community, and what the experience meant for local players and families.
When did planning begin, and what goes into organizing an event of this scale?
Planning for the championship began in August 2025, as soon as we knew Golden would be hosting. From that point on, it was a full team effort behind the scenes.
Organizing an event of this scale involves a lot of moving parts—securing ice times, coordinating team schedules, and planning key events like the opening ceremonies.
We also organized a banquet for over 160 people, which required careful planning and logistics.
On top of that, recruiting and training volunteers to help run games and ensure everything operates smoothly was a huge piece of the puzzle.
It truly takes a dedicated group and months of preparation to bring an event like this together successfully.
How many teams and visitors did the tournament bring to Golden over the weekend?
The tournament welcomed six teams in total, including Golden, with visiting teams coming from Kitimat, Kamloops, Creston, Dawson Creek, and Squamish.
With players, coaches, and families all travelling to be part of the weekend, the event brought more than 500 visitors to Golden—creating an exciting atmosphere in the arena and a significant boost for the community.
What were some of the biggest challenges in organizing the event?
Having previously travelled to two away championships as a manager, I had a good understanding of the scope of the event, which allowed us to get a head start on planning. From the beginning, we approached it with a clear vision and strong organization.
Honestly, we were very fortunate—thanks to the incredible support from our community and the strong relationships Golden & District Minor Hockey Association has with local businesses, things came together smoothly. Because of that, there weren’t any major challenges, which is a testament to both the preparation and the support behind the scenes.
Were there any standout moments or games that really captured the spirit of the weekend?
One of the most memorable parts of the weekend was the incredible support from the community. The crowds that came out for every game were amazing, and that energy in the arena really captured the spirit of the championship for both players and coaches.
On the ice, the standout game was our matchup against Creston. It was a hard-fought battle that ended in a thrilling 6-5 shootout win for Golden. Not only was it an exciting moment, but it also made Golden the only team in the tournament to defeat Creston—something the players will be talking about for a long time.
What was the experience like for the local players, both on and off the ice?
For the local players, it was an incredibly special experience both on and off the ice. Representing Golden at a championship in their own community gave them a real sense of pride in their hometown.
It also gave them a meaningful opportunity to play in front of—and truly thank—their local supporters. Seeing the stands filled with familiar faces and feeling that support throughout the weekend made the experience even more memorable for the entire team.
What did it mean for the Golden & District Minor Hockey Association to host the U18 Tier 4 BC Hockey Championship this year?
It meant everything to Golden & District Minor Hockey Association to host the U18 Tier 4 BC Hockey Championship this year. Having the opportunity to compete on home ice, in front of a crowd filled with friends, family, and the entire community, made it an incredibly special and memorable experience for everyone involved.
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How did the event impact families and volunteers involved in minor hockey?
This event had a huge impact on both our team’s families and the broader community. When I accepted the opportunity to host, I knew I had an incredible group of parents behind me, and that support made all the difference from day one.
So many people stepped up to volunteer, and I don’t think everyone fully realized what they were getting into when they first signed up—but by the end of the week, they couldn’t have been happier to be part of it.
Events like this simply aren’t possible without volunteers, and our group was outstanding. It wasn’t always easy, especially with games scheduled during regular weekday business hours, but people found a way to make it work. The commitment and pride shown by the families and volunteers truly reflect the strength of Golden & District Minor Hockey Association and the community that supports it.
What does hosting a tournament like this mean for the broader Golden hockey community?
Hosting a tournament like this shows the broader community just what the Golden & District Minor Hockey Association is capable of. It proves that Golden can successfully host large-scale events and creates confidence that more opportunities like this can come in the future.
It also sends a strong message across the province—that Golden not only puts on a great event, but can compete with the best teams out there. It’s something the entire hockey community can take pride in and build on moving forward.
If you could sum up the weekend in one word or phrase, what would it be?
Worth every moment. After 14 years as a manager, this week was a reminder of why I love this game—and proof of what a small town can do when we come together.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I also want to recognize the 10 graduating players on our team—William Broderick, Jack Hayward, Connor Sherriff, Josh Tatton, Carter Anderson, Chase Falbo, Jaxon Lillies, Malcolm Russell, Caeden Desmarais, and Parker Jackson—who have played together for most of their minor hockey careers. Their leadership and dedication have set a great example for the younger players in our community.
We also want to congratulate the other teams on their successes: Creston for winning the gold medal, Kitimat for taking silver, and Kamloops for earning the FairPlay award. Every team played hard and contributed to a competitive, memorable, and fun tournament.
It’s been 14 incredible years for me and my family with Golden Minor Hockey Association, and this week was the perfect way to close this chapter. I’m incredibly proud to have been a part of it!
