EDMONTON, Alberta – The 2018 Alexander Cup USCAK Hockey Tournament was held on February 17-18 at the River Cree Hotel and Resort on Treaty 6 Territory in Edmonton, Alberta. Hundreds of Ukrainian hockey fans came out to watch and together raised over $1,500 that was donated to the Fight for Hope charity to help children who are battling cancer.
Organized by the Ukrainian Sports Federation of the U.S.A. and Canada (USCAK), the tournament featured seven teams in a round-robin qualification format: New Jersey Kings, Edmonton Partyzany, Edmonton Kozaks, Edmonton Ukes, Edmonton U.A. Lions, Edmonton Kovbasa Cossacks and Edmonton Bombs.
Edmonton Bombs
The third Alexander Cup united Ukrainians across North America, who were welcomed by the Enoch Cree Nation to participate on Treaty 6 Territory. A fitting drum blessing was played before the opening puck drop. During the opening ceremonies, the national anthems of Ukraine, the United States and Canada were sung.
USCAK President Myron Bytz welcomed the teams and introduced Mike Miskiw, USCAK vice-president for western Canada, who was recognized for his efforts in organizing the tournament, and USCAK board members Teo Bodnar, track and field director, and Chris Bytz, ice hockey director. Also on hand to participate in the ceremonial puck drop were Olesia Luciw-Andriyjowycz, president of the Alberta Provincial Council of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, and 2017 Ukrainian Sports Museum and Hall of Fame inductee Marco Cyncar.
Edmonton Kozaks
USCAK thanked its tournament supporters, including Ukraine Athletic of Edmonton (League of Ukrainian Canadians) and the Ukrainian Youth Association for all the volunteers who helped enhance the Ukrainian hockey community camaraderie, as well as Tryzub Transport, Pure Mortgage, Taste of Ukraine, Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex, Zawalak Family, League of Ukrainian Canadians, Kontakt Ukrainian Television Alberta, Jox Sports Bar and League of Ukrainian Canadian Women.
Edmonton Lions
Following the tournament, the teams enjoyed a Ukrainian buffet supper and the awarding of the Player of the Game, recognizing one player from each team. Dallas Ungarian of the Partyzany was recognized as Goalie of the Tournament. Official recognition went to the Edmonton Partyzany, who went undefeated to capture the third Alexander Cup title.
Final Results
Edmonton Partyzany – champions
Edmonton Bombs – runner-up
Edmonton U.A. Lions / Edmonton Kozaks (third place)
New Jersey Kings (fourth)
Edmonton Ukes (fifth)
Edmonton Kovbasa Cossacks (sixth)
For more information, readers may visit the USCAK Facebook page, www.facebook.com/UkrainianSports Federation, or the USCAK website, www.uscak.org.