The Whitehorse Warriors PeeWee 'B' hockey team is hoping to build off its success at a recently held local tournament in preparation for the squads' season ending competition in Richmond, BC in March.

The Warriors Invitational was held from Jan. 17-20 and featured five teams. The Warriors finished in third place with an overall record of 2-2-2.

"It (the tournament) was very successful," said Warriors coach Todd Harlow. "The main goal was to develop the kids, give them a tournament style format to prepare them for Richmond, which that did."

The Warriors are presently the only 'B' hockey squad that is geared towards the rep program. The team was formed by a group of parents and coaches who wanted to further the opportunities for PeeWee players who have an interest in making the rep team by developing their skills through additional practices and game competition.

"We are trying to develop the boys in all the areas," said Harlow. "To break down the basic skills, skating, puck handling, passing and so on and work on those individual skills and make sure we bring all the players along. We are not really focussing on a number one line, number two line or number three line so to speak; we are looking at developing all the kids as equal as possible."

The process of forming the Warriors began in October and the team's selection was run in a similar fashion to rep tryouts. There are 16 players and two goalies on the Warriors, who meet every Tuesday for either a game or practice, which is paid for by the parents of players on the team. All of the members on the Warriors currently play in the PeeWee House League.

After the Warriors formed they began to invite teams from the bantam division out for games during their ice time. The success of these games led to the inclusion of three bantam teams in total at the tournament. The other team was a select club from Juneau, AK.

This was the first tournament of the year for both the Warriors and Bantam teams. The tournament began with a round robin format, which featured four games in total for each of the participating teams.

The Warriors won their first game and finished with a record of 1-1-2, which qualified them for the semi-finals. In the semi's the Warriors ended up losing to a strong Duncan's team from the Bantam League.

However the team managed to rebound from the loss to capture the bronze medal in their game against Takhini Transport.

In addition to being awarded medals for first, second and third place finishes, there was also a trophy donated by Summit Awards for this specific event.

Castlerock, who is currently in first place in the bantam division, ended up going undefeated over the four-day event to win the first-ever Warriors Invitational Trophy. The trophy is designed with yearly award plaques in hope of making it an annual event.

The tournament in Richmond will be full contact and held from March 20-23. Ten teams will take part, which will include not only 'B' teams, but 'AA' squads as well.

Harlow said he is more confident about competing in Richmond after the Warriors Invitational Tournament.

"I think the boys absolutely have in my mind without a question the ability to play at that level," he said. "When they play as a team there is no question that team can be successful."

He said he would like to see the team place somewhere in the top four in Richmond, but his goal is that they play as a team.

"If they go in there and play as a team and get beat every game I am OK with that," Harlow said. "I would rather that (happen) than them go in and a play as individuals and do really well, that defeats the whole purpose, but I would like to see the boys be successful. Seeing them place in a medal would just be gravy."

Harlow said he is looking forward to the rest of the season and hopes the Warriors 'B' team can form a tradition in Whitehorse.

"I am hoping if it is not me then it's somebody who will continue it," he said. "I really believe their needs to be a 'B' development team that keeps the kids interest and skill up and also enhances the whole Mustang program."

Harlow wanted to thank the parents and corporate sponsors, who have supported the team this season.

"There have been a lot of people who have been very supportive in getting this team together and keeping it going," he said.