Hockey tournament helps Mandi Schwartz's legacy 'live forever in Notre Dame'

Young women aspiring to progress in their hockey career have an opportunity to shine at a major hockey tournament played in memory of a fellow player.

TheMandiSchwartz Memorial Tournamentguarantees every player five games in front of about 30 to 40 scouts.

Notre Dame Hounds junior women coachJaniceRumpelsaid the tournament may be the only one in Western Canada that gives players exposure to dozens of scouts and college coaches.

It also gives the community a chance to remember Schwartz.

• Canadian hockey playerMandiSchwartz dies ofleukemia
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Rumpelcoached Schwartz twice: In theSaskFirstprogram, then again when Schwartz played with the Hounds.

"She just had great character. Every day she lived to make herself better and, as a result, make everyone around her better,"Rumpelsaid.

Schwartz went on to play ivy league hockey.

She died in 2011 at just 23 years old after a battle with cancer.

"We have a dressing room stall with her picture and her name in our dressing room we talk about the stories aboutMandi," said Rumpel."It's a legacy that will live forever in Notre Dame."

The tournament began on Thursday and runs until Sunday in Wilcox and Milestone, Sask. Sixteen teams are taking part.

The championship game will be played at the Duncan McNeill Arena in Wilcox at 3:30 p.m. CST on Sunday.