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Smiles for Miles tourney set

He never had an off button, playing hard until the final shift of the game, whether it be hockey or lacrosse.
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Mathis Paull (left) of the White Warriors controls the puck as Tyler Lewis of the Grizzlies closes during Novice hockey action Sunday at Priest Valley Arena.

Morning Star Staff

He never had an off button, playing hard until the final shift of the game, whether it be hockey or lacrosse.

And the ever-popular Miles Wohlford, who wore jersey No. 6, always flashed his golden and infectious smile.

Wolhford was killed in July 2014 in a boating accident on Okanagan Lake, leaving hundreds of family, friends and teammates in shock.

His spirit lives on in the Smiles for Miles Midget Rec Hockey Tournament, starting today at Civic and Priest Valley Arenas.

Miles’ mother, Randi Lund, is a tourney volunteer and will be presented with flowers at a special tribute ceremony before Sunday’s 4 p.m. final at Civic.

“Miles was a beauty,” said Vernon Authentic Plaque & Trophy Hawks’ head coach Kevin Mitchell. “He touched so many people with his warmth, kindness and smile. This tournament means so much to so many because it keeps Miles in their thoughts.”

Customized Miles pennants will be given to the Most Inspirational Player each game.

The Hawks open the 10-team tournament today at 4 p.m. against Summerland at Civic.

The Talon Benefits Thrashers take on Kamloops at 4:15 at Priest Valley, while the Corbett Office Plus Kings go up against Aldergrove at 6:15 at Civic.

Preliminary games go from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday at both rinks.

The Hawks warmed up for the Smiles for Miles by bouncing the Nedco Blazers 8-1 in Super League play Sunday night and outlasting the Blazers 9-7 in inner-city play Monday night.

Red-hot Sam Frisby, who has netted nine goals in his last three games, supplied four goals in the 4-5 Hawks’ Sunday win at Civic. Kaden Doughty, who will be in a field lacrosse tournament this weekend in Seattle, added a deuce, while Cody Webb and Steven Benischek provided singles.

Nick Mann counted four assists and Sean Howard three in front of the stellar tandem of Dalton Stenberg and Nick Maglio. Kaylan Lawrence replied for the 3-6 Blazers.

Newbie Austin Moore, a Williams Lake product, pocketed 2+2 as the Hawks erased a 3-0 deficit Monday night.

Webb, Frisby and Nick Mitchell each scored twice, while Mann had a single. D-man Evan Winther produced two helpers.

Tyler Semeniuk (3), Chapperon Chillihitzia (2), Elias Wery and Reid Lawrence countered for the Blazers.

Meanwhile, Tage Kineshanko fashioned 5+2 as the Lumby Stars ambushed the DCT  Cougars 13-1 Sunday morning in Hockeyville.

Linden Catt and Rory Campbell pocketed a pair each as the Stars improved to 6-1 in the Bantam Super League.

Noah Clarke, Peter Romailler (shorthanded), Conner Seehaver and Tye Krause contributed singles.

Emma Roine added an assist and played an aggressive forecheck while Parker Stadnyk stood tall in net, Dominik Portous and Andrew Ranelli were marvellous on the blueline.

The Stars carry sponsorship from Green Velvet Lawn Care and Great West Equipment.

Waylen Stowards scored twice as the North Okanagan White Knights iced the Lumby Stars 4-0 in Atom action Saturday at Pat Duke Memorial Arena.

Alex Hart and Aidan Wattie also converted in front of Brayden Rykema (14 saves).