COVID-19 limited the turnout, but the Estevan Sharks Waterpolo Club was able to host a tournament on Sunday.

Over half of the registered players were missing from the third event in the Community League Series because of COVID-19 or close-contact safety measures.

“There was some discussion about cancelling the tournament,” said Club President Heather Tober. “But keeping the kids swimming has been our goal throughout the pandemic, and we really didn’t want to take that away from those who could be there.” 

The day began with the U13 atom boys. Estevan claimed second place, competing against Weyburn and two teams from Regina.

Tober said Carter Smelt stepped into goal, with their regular goalie out, and played great.

Hudson Enns combined with brothers Mason and Carter Yunick for 31 goals. Tober said rookie Parker Griffin and Saskatoon Pirates' Ben Boutin rounded out the team, swimming hard all morning.

The U10 minis were the second group. There were only nine athletes from the four clubs, so a modified tournament was set up.

Tober said Blaire Wilson led the mini Sharks, who went undefeated. They also had contributions from three rookie players - Laine and Leighton Petterson and Ayla Smelt.

The U13 atom girls were the third group of the day.

The Sharks had only three players not affected by COVID-19-related isolation rules.

Mahlyn Bomberak, Jill Rosengren, and Blaire Wilson were joined by Maria Zaika from Weyburn and Anna Boutin from Saskatoon.

"Wilson & Boutin showed great strength and determination, as they had already played earlier in the u10 minis games, but were ready and willing to play u13 Atom too," said Tober. 

The girls won two games and lost four, which sealed second place in the tournament.

That was the final scheduled tournament for the U10 mini division, and Estevan's only time hosting this season.