Teams that usually meet on Friday night or Saturday morning combined for an inaugural gala day at Jubilee Park on Sunday.

The friendly tournament was a roaring success according to organiser and Rockets under 13’s coach Kate Wickson.

“It was a fun way to culminate the season before we start finals,” she said.

“A fun way for the kids to watch other grades.”

Juniors took part in two or three half-hour games, and novelty games at the all-day tournament.

Players, coaches, referees and supporters lapped-up the sunny conditions.

“We’re so lucky, we had a beautiful day, with rain the day before and the day after,” Wickson said.

“We’ve had really good feedback, I think we can do it again.”

Next year’s tournament will be bigger and better.

“We’re thinking of inviting Tumut and Griffith along,” she said.

Numbers in the local competition have been strong this season. And it’s only set to grow. Junior hockey participation tends to spike after an Olympic year.

For now, Wagga’s young hockey players look forward to finals, aligned with the senior hockey finals, beginning in just over a week’s time.