Tuskers of all trades and sections took to the ice December 6 for their annual Top of the Pyramid tournament, the 6th Dean Ryan Memorial.
413 (Transport and Rescue) Squadron lined up the games at the Greenwood Gardens, with four teams: Cormorant & IMP, Hercules & Maintenance, Hercules Maintenance and Search and Rescue Technicians. The goal was fundraising for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which afflicted the squadron’s former Warrant Officer Ryan. Second only to that: a little (a lot!) of competitive fun.
“The SAR-Techs are always on top – that’s the joke behind the name, ‘Top of the Pyramid,’” said Lieutenant-Colonel Mark Norris, but they barely won in ’23. The maintainers, by far, have the best team.”
And, this year, in the end, the Herc servicing team wiped the ice with a 7-2 win over the SAR-Techs in the final.
The squadron was able to raise $685 for ALS, presented to Tara Ryan, who represented the family at the final’s puck drop. Pizza boxes disappeared down rink hallways, family members were in the stands and extra helping hands pitched in: 14 Air Maintenance Squadron’s Aviator Brianna Cyr volunteered as scorekeeper, 14 Operations Support Squadron’s Master Corporal John McElroy took a role in one team’s nets and the squadron’s own Robert “Willy” Wilen and Corporal Jack Furey served as referees.
“It was 413’s tournament, but it was the wing ‘Operating as One,’” Norris said. “This is one of our squadron’s main Christmas season traditions.”
Wilen is the original organizer of the event, and was recognized for hard work and dedication by Norris with a 413 Squadron Commander’s Coin – and the perk of Norris’ prime parking spot through January
The rink is already booked for next year’s tournament, December 5, 2025.
