(Photo Credit: Contributed)
Kelowna Minor Hockey has stepped up to honour one of their own.
Alexandra Nyuli, also known as Alley, died in a tragic accident on January 28th when the vehicle she was driving drifted off an embankment near the hairpin turn on Highway 33. She was only 21 years old.
In honour of Nyuli and her passion for hockey, Kelowna Minor Hockey created a brand new tournament in her name: Alley's Tournament of Hearts.
Alley Nyuli. (Photo Credit: Facebook)
Nyuli began skating in 1999 with her older sister Katey in a backyard rink created by her parents. She spent many years in Kelowna Minor Hockey and captained her AAA Midget team to a tournament win in San Jose, California in 2010. She also played against the Swedish National Team and represented Canada in a tournament in Burnaby in 2011. Nyuli finished off her minor hockey career as the team captain, nominated by her teammates for the position.
“She always had such a big heart,” said Jennifer Kenny, explaining the reasoning behind the new tournament's name. Kenny played hockey for about six years with Nyuli on AAA PeeWee, AAA Bantam, and AAA Midget teams. Though the loss of Nyuli is still fresh in her mind, she was eager to help with the tournament and proud with the way that her friend was being honoured. About 225 girls were competing from areas from the Lower Mainland to Kelowna, a turnout that organizers hope will continue in the years to come.
The Kelowna PeeWee team struck first in the championship game Sunday morning against Surrey. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)
“She was probably one of the best hockey players I ever played with,” said Kenny of Nyuli. “She was in love with hockey. Hockey was her complete passion.”
Kenny says that the Nyuli family has been touched with Kelowna Minor Hockey creating a new tournament for their daughter. “It just warms their hearts and they're really thankful that we're doing this for them.”
Fire Chief Nyuli at the ceremonial puck drop to honour his daughter. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)
Nyuli's father, Joe Rich Fire Chief Curtis Nyuli, was on hand for a ceremonial puck drop in honour of his daughter on Sunday, as well as for the handing out of medals.
The championships for each of the three categories are played on Sunday at Rutland Arena, with Kelowna teams making a strong showing.
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