The Chair of the 2017 Esso Cup in Morden says the ninth National Female Midget Hockey Championship was a tremendous success.

"I think the positive feedback continues to come in from the Esso Cup. Now that we've completed our final report and our budget I think it's really rewarding to see, along with all those comments, there is some money," said Clare Agnew.

Agnew noted the Host Committee had set a goal to break even prior to selling a single ticket. This was to be obtained through sponsorships, grants, and City funding. By doing this it created the possibility of a financial legacy to be formed.

"Morden and the host organizing committee truly went above and beyond for the 2017 Esso Cup," added Anne-Marie Murphy, event manager with Hockey Canada. “They have left not only a positive legacy with the community, but with the six participating teams, the fans and the volunteers."

This legacy allowed the committee to implement a three-part legacy plan. Money raised will be going to support Pembina Valley Minor Hockey for player and official development, providing a scholarship to a pair of Pembina Valley Hawks for the next five years and to help assist with facility upgrades at the Access Event Centre.

"We never went into it with our goal to make a lot of money, or to have a big financial legacy. We wanted to make sure we put on a great event first, and at the end of the day if we had a financial legacy, that would be awesome," said Agnew. "To do all of that, and at the end of the day still have $57,000 for the region, we feel great about that success."

In addition to the financial legacy, the committee had a number of non-financial assets that were given to organizations in the community. For example the towels used during the week were cleaned and donated to Genesis House and Katie's Cottage. Also, at the end of the event, merchandise was made available at a reduced rate to volunteers and those proceeds were donated to KidSport.

Six days after the Esso Cup, Todd Krassman, the VIP transportation chair, passed away. The committee made a donation in his memory to Jumpstart and Canadian Blood Services, and will be installing a bench in the Access Event Centre.

"Todd was an important part of the Esso Cup committee and Morden's hockey community. We felt it was important to recognize his contribution," explained Agnew.