LEWISTON — Lewiston Area Youth Hockey League Annual Lions Tournament is proud to announce the milestone 40th Annual LAYHL Lions Tournament. It is believed to be the longest continuous running youth hockey tournament in the United States.

This year’s event kicks off with the LAYHL 40th Annual Lions Tournament Benefit Dance. LAYHL invites all past and present players, coaches and parents, 21 years and older, of the former Lewiston/Auburn Youth Hockey or the current Lewiston/Area Youth Hockey League and Lions Tournament participants to attend. This is a great opportunity to get together and recall memories and playing experiences from this great event.

The dance will be held on Friday, Feb. 10 at The Ramada Inn in Lewiston. All proceeds go directly to help offset the costs of the tournament. Social hour is 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dancing and entertainment from 7:30 to midnight will be provided by two popular local acts: Nick Knowlton, a.k.a. Nick at Nite, and Veggies by Day. Tickets prices are $15 per person or $25 per couple. Tables seating 10 are available. Tickets are going quickly and are on sale now at The Colisee box office 783-2009 or contact Maria Higgins at [email protected]. 

Tournament play starts Saturday, Feb. 18. Opening ceremonies will be held Sunday, Feb. 19 at Androscogggin Bank Colisee. The tournament schedule of games will be posted at www.LAYHL.com and in the Sun Journal when finalized. The tournament runs the entire week from Saturday, Feb. 18 through Friday, Feb. 24.

This year’s tournament will have more than 24 teams with players from ages 4 through 14, including teams from Lac Magnetic, Canada; Casco Bay; Auburn and LAYHL taking part. Along with the exciting hockey action there will be many raffle items. Entrance passes for the week will be sold at the door. Come see memories for the generations made at the 40th Annual Lions Hockey Tournament.