Two North Bay Atom hockey teams from the West Ferris Minor Hockey Association, stood at their respective blue lines at the Bill Barber Complex in Callander Sunday afternoon, the start of their version of the NHL Winter Classic.
The boys worked hard in preparation for this game, raising money and awareness for the Hockey Fights Cancer Campaign.
“The boys lined up and each of them held a sign with the name of the person they were playing for today. It is phenomenal the amount of people who came out today and the support we have received,” said Carole Guenette manager for the North Bay Redpath Atom A Trappers.
“One little boy said ‘We’re just like the NHL players, but even better because we’re raising money for people who need it.’ And I thought, how great is that? So many people give back to our hockey association, so it is good for the boys to learn that we need to give back to the community. This is something we can do to help.”
Head coach of the Atom ‘A’ team, Richard Rowe, credits one of the players for coming up with the idea.
The players were split up, making the teams more evenly matched.
“We decided to have a winter classic like the NHL players, and one of our team goals this year was to do something for the community. So, we just brainstormed and one of the kids came up with the idea to do Hockey Fights Cancer. So, we talked with the cancer society and they provided us with the placards and it all came together in a big outdoor game,” said Rowe.
“Everybody’s lives have been touched by cancer, so we’re all fighting for somebody, and some of us are fighting for more than just one person. I think there was a reflective moment when they actually had to write the name on the placard of the person they were dedicating the game to, and when they all skated around holding it before the game. Some just had some family members that they lost to cancer, so it was very emotional for a few of the kids.”
As head coach for the North Bay Atom Development Trappers, David Bouffard explained to his young players why they were fundraising for this particular game.
“I said the reason why we’re coming out here as a team is to fight for people touched by cancer and to show the community that we can come together and raise some money and do a good job. They are a younger group, but they understand that they’re coming together to raise money for a good cause.”
Cameron Grainger played with his grandfather in mind.
“I played for my poppa Mike because he’s been through some tough times with health issues, and it is important to raise money to help find cures,” said the ten year old.
“And it felt pretty good to be on the ice playing with my friends, just having fun.”
His buddy Logan Hollingshead also dedicated the game to someone special.
“I’m playing for someone who is a teacher at my school, and one of my grandpa’s best friends,” said Hollingshead.
“I would do this again to help cure diseases and it was just lots of fun.”
Fun, and cold.
“At the beginning of the game is was pretty good, but about halfway through the wind started picking up. It was definitely cold, but it was fun.The kids loved it because they knew players on the other team. It was a good little rivalry and they enjoyed it,” said coach Bouffard.
At the end of the game, the Canadian Cancer Society was the big winner, with $2,220 raised through pledges and the sale of drinks and treats.
