The host and founder of South Delta Minor Hockey's biggest holiday party is passing on her duties for the 2012 tournament.
It was eight years ago when Atom division manager Theresa Watts led a group of dedicated volunteers to pull off the inaugural Party In Da House Tournament for Atom age players.
"The focus just always seems to be on rep hockey and the high level athletes," said Watts at the time. "The holiday season is the busiest time of year for hockey tournaments but there is very little for the house teams. I wanted to do something for these kids with the emphasis being on having some fun."
Watts' idea would take off to eventually include all SDMHA house teams, from Atom to Midget, and become the highlight of the season for many. What made the tournament so unique was featuring nothing but local teams which prompted plenty of support from the business community and in the stands.
Her efforts did not go unnoticed. She was a recipient of the Delta Sports Hall of Fame volunteer of the year award and, in 2009, was named the RBC Local Hockey Leader of B.C., a prestigious honour that resulted in a $10,000 donation to South Delta Minor Hockey and Watts being an Olympic torch barrier for the 2010 Winter Games.
The Tsawwassen mother of three quietly announced the recently completed tournament would be her last in a leading role. That didn't stop the association from hon-ouring her years of work prior to the Midget division championship game.
Watts has handed off the tournament chair duties to John Brewer who has two children playing for SDMHA teams.
"I will still be involved a little bit with the tournament next year but in a much diminished role," she said. "When I started this eight years ago I never could have imagined it would blossom into the huge event it is today and I am honoured to have been a part of it.
"This tournament has brought me a lot of joy over the years and I am confident that it will continue to bring joy to lots of excited young hockey players in the future."
Watts said she is unsure what she is going to do now that she won't be living at the arena during the four day tournament. A good bet would be some quality time with her family that has given her tremendous support over the years.
Her husband Rob was usually at her side at the arena providing assistance where he can and her sons also were actively involved, from delivering Gatorade to the dressing rooms to helping out with the skills competitions.
"My family has all stepped up and helped with the tournament," she added. "They have had to live with all the boxes in the garage for months as we prep for the event, then during the actual event, it's literally all hands on deck.
"Rob was a huge help. He gave up part of his holiday as well to come out."
Watts also wanted to single out the efforts of the Prefontaine and Mathieson families for their years of work and dedication in running the tournament.
