There was plenty of good-natured chirping going on between Leaf and Hab fans Sunday, as they got ready to tee off at their annual tournament at Osprey Links in support of the North Bay North Stars.
Using clubs versus hockey sticks, and grass versus ice, the two sides did battle in a long-standing rivalry for bragging rights.
Both sides went to great lengths to show allegiance to their favourite team, whether it was wearing their team apparel or making some powerful statements with their golf carts, or both, leaving no one in doubt where their loyalties lay.
Habs fans Andy Boissonneault and Joffre Ribout used their imagination to jazz up their cart, which came complete with a “toilet.”
The transformation took about four days to complete.
“It’s just something you start building, and you just get carried away when you have too much time on your hands, and have a deep hatred for the Leafs,” laughed Boissonneault.
Proudly wearing a Johnny Bower autographed Leaf’s jersey, and sporting his own decorated golf cart, Doug Bolger was up for the challenge.
“This is about the fourth year for me. It’s all about the fun. It’s a mild competition and it gives us a chance to celebrate the beginning of the hockey season, but more importantly to raise money for the North Bay North Stars hockey team.”
Nine years ago, Mike Perreault, along with Rheal Boulanger co-founded the tournament which supports the North Stars special needs hockey teams.
“We had this idea a long time ago to make a tournament that was a little different than most. So, we thought maybe a little competition between fans of the Habs and the Leafs would be a great idea, and it turned out really well. Everybody has a lot of fun,” said Perreault.
“The North Stars is a perfect fit. They’re an amazing group of people. A lot of them are older and don’t have a lot of money so we thought this would be a perfect way to help them out. It’s been an amazing run.”
There is such a high demand to play on the team, that a third team was added for this year.
“We have an ‘A’ level team, a ‘B’ level team, and this is going to be the first year for the ‘C’ level team which is an introductory team. It’s less about age and more about skill level. We’re actually going from people who just learned how to skate, to those who have never skated,” said Denis Ouellette, North Stars co-vice president.
“The other teams are travelling teams. They have represented North Bay in seven international tournaments, in Canada and the United States, playing teams from as far away as London, England. Our teams have travelled to Boston and Detroit and have played against teams from New Jersey and California as well. Our oldest player is 52.”
The golf tournament is one of many fundraising events held throughout the year.
“The money goes toward helping with the operating and travel expenses for the teams. Each travelling team has 20 to 25 players. We also have two hours of ice time a week, and our new team will have an hour a week.”
Right winger Dylan Knight was one of many North Stars players who golfed Sunday.
“For me, hockey means family and friends. I like competing. It’s a lot of fun and you make new friends. And we travel all the time. I’ve been to tournaments in Detroit and Ottawa. I’m really looking forward to going to Toronto for a hockey tournament this year.”
Mandy Demers is a player on the ‘A’ team.
“It’s very competitive in the ‘A’ division when we go down to the tournaments. And I like to be tough like the boys,” said Demers.
“This will be my eighth year. I like the team bonding, it’s a lot of fun. We all have a dream to play hockey and we’re doing it.”
Mike Perreault says the players are passionate about hockey.
“I think people should go out to the Double Rinks arena on a Sunday afternoon and watch them play hockey. It is the most amazing thing. You’ll fall in love with all these kids.”
For the record, the Leaf fans took the win.