It’s all for the kids
By Leslie Knibbs
SAGAMOK ANISHNAWBEK—A 37-year-old family tradition continues to bring many Sagamok families together. On March 2 and 3, eight families took part in the 37th Annual Family Hockey Tournament at the Massey and District Arena, where participants compete for bragging rights, prize money, and trophies. The event is a fundraiser and with a theme of “It’s All for the Kids”, the funds raised will go towards the Sagamok teams participating in the Little NHL over March break this year. Last year $8900 was raised for the teams.
While players were competing on the ice, many young children were engaged in an exciting game of shinny in the upstairs Sadowski Room at the arena.
“Some little girl was playing goal all day there, I don’t know her name, but she was good,” commented Gail Trudeau, a parent watching the children play. “One little girl wanted to play, but her parent said you can ask them if you can play, but don’t cry. One kid let her and showed her how to shoot; it was so nice to see the teachings.”
The tournament relies heavily on volunteers who work with the New Family Hockey Executive Committee, comprised of Marsha Owl, Samantha Solomon, Tiffany Abitong-Bell, Warren Owl, Amanda Hardisty and Mike Abitong.
Executive member Samantha Solomon expressed her appreciation to all who participated,
“We would like to thank the three referees that [refereed] all weekend, our LNHL teams, coaches and parents who volunteered their time and cooking skills, family and friends who cheered from the stands. One of the biggest sponsors was NWMO who graciously donated $2,500 to help offset the costs of ice rental and upstairs kitchen rental—many chi miigwetches.”
Five teams including the tykes novice, peewee, atom and midgets from Sagamok are going to the LNHL this year and will benefit equally from the proceeds of the Family Tournament. The Chief and Council donate $5,000 to each team going to the LNHL.
Proud parents and grandparents filled the stands watching their families play. All teams were mixed male and female with no contact. Amanda Hardisty and her husband Orest were thrilled to watch both their son and daughter play on the family team together.
“I’m very proud to watch my son and daughter play hockey together, hockey has always been a part of our lives. It’s amazing to see how much they have grown over the years and the bond of family that will always be there,” said Hardisty.
Precious Solomon, 11, played defense for the family team making her Mom and Dad proud. Anticipation of playing on the family team started early for Precious.
“I was very happy to finally play and couldn’t wait to play with my sisters, dad, uncles and family. I played hard and had fun. I was honored to have received two awards also which was very unexpected. I love playing hockey and can’t wait till next year!”
Precious will be in Mississauga playing for the mixed peewee team at the LNHL next week.
Samantha Solomon, mother of Precious, expressed her joy and pride seeing her whole family playing together on the same team.
“I’m very proud of all three of my daughters playing this year with their father, uncle and family. This is what this tournament is all about: the children. I’m proud of how well they played along with all the other children; our age group ranged from 11-65. I’m happy to see every one come out and enjoy a fun filled weekend of hockey.”
The character of a community is reflected in the families living there. The enthusiasm and skills shown by players of differing age groups at the tournament show a life-long passion for Canada’s sport of hockey and good sportsmanship. With the parking lot full this year and stands filled to capacity, it isn’t any wonder that next year’s Family Hockey Tournament will be extended to three days over the entire weekend according to Marsha Owl, one of the organizers. With the tournament extended an extra day next year, more teams will be participating “and it’s all for the kids.”