Canmore Eagle defenceman Alex Barnes may not have been a big scorer during his Alberta Junior Hockey League career, but he sure cashed in at this year’s Canmore Eagle Poker Tournament held at the Stony Nakoda Resort and Casino on Saturday, April 27th.
Barnes, who scored three goals in 200 AJHL games, played his cards perfectly as the likable rear-guard emerged victorious defeating 51 other contestants to take home the first-place prize of $4,200. Collin Pauls finished in second-place, while last year’s winner Rob Anderson, rounded out the top three finishers.
Although the number of competitors was down from a year ago, the fundraiser was still a huge success for the Junior A hockey team as more than $8,500 was raised for the community owned, not-for-profit hockey club. More than $11,000 in prize money was awarded during the evening.
“It was another fun night at the Stoney Nakoda Resort for everyone and the event raised some important funds for the hockey club,” said Eagle President Darryl Lockwood. “I would sincerely like to thank all the participants and our numerous sponsors for coming out and supporting the hockey club, with special thanks to Kenny Pauls JR. for all his organizational help and input. We couldn’t have done it without Ken’s help.”
The Canmore Eagles would also like to thank the following local Bow Valley business’s for their sponsorship of the Poker Tournament – Can-Bow Motors, Rose and Crown Restaurant & Pub, Lockwood Autobody, Wireless Valley Bell, Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino, Canmore Lube & Muffler, Simpson Car Wash, Canmore Printcraft, McDonalds Canmore, Ridgewood Signcrafters, Corri-Door Garage Doors, Gourlay’s Pharmacy and Lockwood Autobody.