Craft Brewers Cup plays hockey for a good cause

The Craft Brewers Cup kicks off its ninth edition today at Woodland Park, with games starting at 3 p.m.

This unique adult hockey tournament combines quality hockey and beer for a good cause.

The tournament continues on Saturday with games starting at 7 a.m along with a brewfest from 12 to 8 p.m.

Festivities conclude with championship rounds starting at 7 a.m. on Sunday.

Twelve teams will face off on Friday and nearly 20 beers will be on tap Saturday for this fundraiser for youth hockey. Five teams travel from Canada, three from various locations around Montana and four local teams make up the tournament.

The Craft Brewers Cup is a volunteer organized fundraiser for the Flathead Valley Hockey Association (FVHA).

The FVHA offers youth hockey programs for kids age 3-18. The youth compete throughout the state within the Treasure State League. FVHA also owns andmanages the ice rink located within Woodland Park.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the Craft Brewers Cup hockey tournament and beer fest are used by FVHA to remove some of the common barriers for participation in youth hockey including travel, cost, ice availability, and equipment. FVHA prides itself on keeping participation costs low in an effort to continue to grow the great sport of hockey within the Flathead Valley.