NHL’s Morrison Kicks Off Tofino Fishing Derby With A Little Ball Hockey

Karson Gibson, three, stick handles the ball in front of the NHL’s Brendan Morrison during a game of ball hockey in Tofino Friday afternoon. (Keven Drews Photo)

By Keven Drews TOFINO — Six little girls garbed in brightly coloured summer dresses giggled and screamed as three-year-old Karson Gibson stepped inside a Tofino lacrosse box Friday afternoon for a game of ball hockey with the NHL’s own Brendan Morrison.

“He’s cute, he plays hockey and he’s really smart,” said Keanna Hasz, age six, of little Gibson.

Gibson, in fact, was one of about 40 children and teens from Clayoquot Sound and Port Alberni who showed up for the game, which kicked off the first annual Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby.

About 80 others watched from outside the lacrosse box.

The derby, hosted by Morrison, who owns a home in Tofino, hopes to raise funds for Wickaninnish Community School and the Tofino Salmon Enhancement Society.

Morrison said he and derby organizers planned the game so they could involve more children in the event.

“It’s kind of a meet and greet with the kids, get involved, sign a few cards, maybe take a few pictures and get an old-fashioned road hockey game going,” he said.

“It’s kind of going back to the roots a bit as a child.

“I played endless hours of ball hockey, road hockey, street hockey. So to be able to come out and interact with the kids, interact with the kids in this fashion brings back some good memories.”

Some children, like brothers Codie and Cory Beecroft, drove to Tofino from Port Alberni for the game.

“Every hockey player’s dream is to make the NHL,” said Cory, who plans to try out for a midget triple A hockey team this year.

Others, like Amanda Tom, a youth worker for the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, invited Morrison over for a family barbecue.

Morrison ended up signing a sweatshirt for Tom’s aunt, instead.

Artie Ahier, who owns an acclaimed restaurant with wife and chef Lisa Ahier, brought son, Barkley, to the game.

“Great event,” he said. “Just lovely to have people of this stature in our community. We’re very fortunate.

“I think that hockey is the Canadian mediator that brings us all together.”

Sally Mole, director of parks and recreation for Tofino, said the game was a great way to spend the afternoon and a great gesture on Morrison’s behalf.

“It’s just bringing the community together and recognizing the Morrisons are part of the community,” she said.

The Tofino Saltwater Classic runs Saturday and Sunday.

Visit  http://www.tofinosaltwaterclassic.com/register-online/ for more information.