The eighth annual Taylor Renwick Memorial hockey tournament was another success with 46 participants.
“I’d like to think that each year it gets a little better. The ladies know each other from previous years and they are all excited to catch up on what’s been happening in each other’s lives,” said Vicki Renwick, Taylor’s mother.
The players welcome new faces and by the end of the weekend are adding each other on social media.
“One lady told me that this weekend ‘fills her cup’,” added Renwick.
The weekend remains bittersweet for Taylor’s parents Vicki and Wink.
“It’s hard because this is the kind of weekend Taylor would have loved,” said Renwick.
It helps to see all the smiles and friendships being made with the players and the family. It is healing.
Taylor Renwick was killed by a drunk driver on October 15, 2015 on her way home to Napinka for Thanksgiving. She was enrolled in the Athletic Therapy program at the University of Manitoba with the goal of working with Canada’s Olympic Women’s hockey team.
The family says all the smiles and hugs remind them the reason for the tournament and that one of the things Taylor loved most about hockey aside from playing was the people she met.
“A story she liked to tell was her first day of university she waked into a class of 200+ students and saw a girl she had played with in extended season hockey. She was so excited to see a face she knew and someone she could sit with.”
The tournament proceeds go to the Taylor Renwick Sponsor A Minor Hockey Player Fund, which has to date, helped approximately 45 kids. The kids had the opportunity to play hockey due to the fund.
“We have helped kids not only from Melita but from Southwestern Manitoba. We love sharing updates about how the kids are doing in their seasons,” added Renwick.
The Renwicks are so grateful to all the volunteers, community support, generous donations and of course the players.
“We are so grateful that having the tournament allows us to raise some money each year to keep Taylor’s Support a Minor Hockey Player Fund going. Save the date for next year February 14 to 15, 2026,” said Renwick.
by JUDY WELLS
Recorder staff