The Esso Cup being held in Morden will have another local flavour to it, but not in terms of a player, organizer, or volunteer, but as a referee. Crystal City's, and former Pembina Valley Hawk Jenai Buchanan will be part of the reffing crew during the week of the tournament.

"It's a really cool experience. I never thought I'd be going to national event to lines, especially as it's my first year out of playing "AAA" hockey," said Buchanan. "It's going to be a really cool experience."

Buchanan noted the ref evaluators liked the amount of potential she has as a ref and felt her skills would serve her well at this tournament.

She added she's been doing higher level of hockey games over the year to prepare herself for this opportunity and is really looking forward to it.

"I think it's just the overall experience. Usually if I am going to a tournament like this, I am playing," said Buchanan. "It'll be a neat experience to take it in from a different perspective."

This year the Esso Cup is being held in Morden, while in previous years it has been held in different parts of the country. This allows her to have some familiar faces in and around the rink and people there to support her while she's reffing games at the tournament.

According to Buchanan this will be a great learning experience for her.

"Definitely learning a lot from the other officials there and getting out and meeting a bunch of new people," concluded Buchanan.