LEWISTON – To some, ice hockey is all about the thrill of victory. To others, it’s about being part of a team.

For Morgan Giard, 5, and her friend, Sophie Billham, 6, both of Auburn, their love of hockey is based on something more fundamental.

“I like it because we do drills and go skating,” said Morgan, whose orange hockey jersey fell past her knees.

Morgan, Sophie and more than 400 other children filled the Androscoggin Bank Colisee for the opening ceremony of the Lions Hockey Tournament on Friday night. The 37th annual tournament starts Saturday, with games scheduled through next week.

About 420 kids, ages 4 to 14, participate in Lewiston-Auburn youth hockey, forming two dozen teams divided by age. On Friday, those teams gathered on the ice to the cheers and applause of friends and family.

Joe Martel, 2, slapped the puck during the ceremonial face-off, his stick nearly as tall as he is. Afterward, the Colisee opened the rink for families to skate.

Teams in the league play 20 to 25 games a year against each other. The tournament is the highlight of the season.

This will be Chase Tapley’s first tournament. The 11-year-old from Lewiston just started playing this year.

“It’s awesome,” he said. The best part of ice hockey? “My teammates.”

He thought his team’s chances in the tournament were good. It’s his goal to win, he said, but he also wants to have fun.

Garrett Morin, 9, of Turner has played hockey for four years. His friend, Jacques Cyr, 11, of Lewiston, has played for six. The pair have been teammates for two years.

They figure they have a good chance of winning their division during the tournament.

“Well, we’ve beat every team before, so … ,” said Garrett, trailing off with a grin.

The boys love hockey for the victory it can bring, but Garrett’s mother likes it for a different reason.

“It keeps him busy,” Lisa Morin said.

Tournament games start Saturday. A tournament pass is $5 and a day pass is $3. Tickets are available at the gate.