2019 Murray Johnson Tournament: Emphasis on fun with a touch of competitiveness

By Kurt Lewis

The Haldimand Press

HAGERSVILLE—Friday, November 22, 2019 marked the opening puck drop for Hagersville Minor Hockey Association’s annual Murray Johnson Tournament at the Hagersville and Caledonia arenas. The tournament ran from November 22 to 24.

The fundraising tournament first started in 1992, when it was simply called the Hagersville Minor Hockey Tournament. The current director, Doug Hall, took over organizing in 2012 and insisted the tournament should have a name. The Association decided on using the name Murray Johnson in honour of the Hagersville resident who spends most of his time at the arena or the baseball diamond cheering on the local teams. Hall said Johnson is a sports fanatic who looks forward to the tournament each and every year. Johnson can be found on the Wall of Fame at the Hagersville Arena.

HAGERSVILLE—Murray Johnson was at the Hagersville Arena on November 20, 2019 to kick off the tournament. Hagersville Little League #7 and Six Nations #1 faced off with the ceremonial puck drop.
—Photo courtesy of Hagersville Minor Hockey Association President Lloyd Williams.