Bulletin staff report

The youth portion of the ninth annual Northwest Cup roller hockey tournament started Friday at Juniper Park, with more than 400 players representing 27 teams vying for championships in five different age divisions.

”I didn’t get a goal but I got a couple assists,” said 10-year-old Justin Harrison, who helped pace the 12-and-under Bend Bullets to a 2-1 win over the Indoor Goals Titans of Beaverton.

Also Friday, Bend Black defeated Bend Gold 4-2 in an 8-and-under game; Bend III Blue beat Bend II Gold 5-0 (8 and under); Bend routed River City of Washington 11-0 (10 and under); Bend shut out the Americans 3-0 (14 and under); Bend Blue topped Bend Black 5-3 (8 and under); Mount Hood defeated River City 5-0 (12 and under); Mount Hood downed Indoor Goals Titans 6-0 (14 and under); Mound Hood No. 2 edged Indoor Goals Titans 2-1 (10 and under); and the Bend Bullets rolled past Mount Hood No. 1 7-1.

Three games were postponed due to rain.

”Other than the weather – being the first time we’ve lost games in nine years – there was a lot of enthusiasm,” said Butch Roberts, tournament director. ”The kids were excited to be there and so were the parents.”

Tournament action continues today starting at 6:30 a.m. at Juniper Park. Play begins Sunday at 6:30 a.m., with championship games slated for the afternoon.