AUBURN — A big upset in the Lions Tournament on Wednesday left hockey grandparents Bob and Pat Laroche shaken, but smiling.

The Yellow Mite Team defeated the White Mite Team, 4-3, to grab the gold medal.

As horns blared to declare the game over, yellow-shirted players, ages 7 and 8, threw their gloves and sticks in the air and piled on goalie Matthew Levasseur.

The rink was divided, allowing two mite games to be held at one time. At the other end of the ice the red and black teams competed for the bronze.

“It was exciting,” said Pat Laroche said of the yellow-white game. Their grandson, Michael Caron, 8, scored two goals.

The Laroches’ daughter, Karen Caron (and mother of Michael) cheered during the tournament when her brother played for St. Peter’s.

During the game Wednesday, Tracy Bussiere of Minot cheered for the White Team with a bullhorn, a bell and consistent, loud encouragement: “You guys can do it!” or “Do it again!” when they scored or “Rebound! Get the rebound!”

She said after the game that she was proud of her son’s team. “They had an amazing season. They went undefeated until today.”

Her son, Hunter, 8, has played since he was 4. She has attended the Lions Tournament for 20 years. “My brother played. I used to cheer for Holy Family. It’s wonderful. It’s great to see it continue.”

This was the 43rd year of the annual February vacation house tournament, believed to be the longest-running youth hockey tournament in the country. Hockey parents and grandparents are proud of the tradition.

More than 500 players, ages 5-14, this year played 99 games during the five days in five team divisions: Mini-mite, Mite, Squirt, Peewee and Bantam.

The first Lions Tournament was held in 1972 with a grant from the Lewiston Lions Club to give students something healthy to do during February vacation.

Teams used to represent parochial schools, St. Peter’s, St. Joe’s, Holy Family and Holy Cross, said Andy Guerin, president of the regional youth hockey league the Maine Gladiators. Each team had a mascot: a hornet, a coyote or a bear.

All teams today are Maine Gladiators, and teams are named for colors.

The tournament’s longevity is inspiring, said Guerin, 51. “It’s great that people keep showing up to keep it going.” He played when he was 9 and 10. Back then teams had cheerleaders. Today there are no cheerleaders; girls play on teams.

The tournament used to be held in Lewiston. In the past two years, it’s been held at the Norway Savings Bank Arena in Auburn.

Another change is the tournament used to run a full week; now it ends on Wednesday. It was shortened so working parents would not have to take a week off, Guerin said.

The tournament still opens and closes with fanfare. Opening ceremonies include short speeches from dignitaries. This year’s speakers were Auburn Mayor Jonathan LaBonte and Lewiston Mayor Robert Macdonald.

During Wednesday’s closing ceremony, teams were called onto the ice to collect trophies and applause.

Ace Watson, 7, who plays defense for the Gray Mite team, came to watch the championship game. He’s played hockey since he was 3, said his mother, Jamie Watson.

The Farwell Elementary School student said he likes skating and shooting the puck. His coaches, Mike Routhier and Ned Newell, are “really nice,” he said. “They encourage us. They say, ‘Somebody needs to be in front of the net.’”

Jamie Watson was pleased with the tournament.

“These kids come, they have a place they can hang out, see their friends, get some exercise,” Watson said. “The camaraderie and energy the tournament has brought is awesome. This place has been packed all week.”

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