The seventh annual Fish Findlay 3 on 3 hockey tournament took place last weekend, at the Shawville arena, drawing in players from as far as Southern Ontario to compete in the highly touted event.

Happening over four days, with 20 teams competing in five separate divisions, the tournament was the biggest it’s ever been according to the organizers.

“We got it going the first year and it’s gotten bigger and we’ve added to it different stuff and yeah, so here we are,” said Joe McCleary, one the tournament’s organizers and founders. “It’s a pretty well-oiled machine now. Now, we turn teams away. So, we’re pretty lucky, in that regard.”

For McCleary, the number of teams trying to register was a clear a testament as to how much the event has grown in popularity, since it’s conception in 2012.

What originally started as a one-day tournament has evolved into a full-fledged hockey fun-fest with all kinds of amenities available to the public, including a bar, a dance-hall with a DJ and not to mention eye-catching, fast-paced three-on-three hockey action.

Kory Churchill, a former Junior A player from Kanata, said the tournament appealed to him because of the highly skilled players it attracts from all over Ontario and Quebec and also to crack a few brews with some good people.

“It’s good skill, I love it,” said Churchill. “It’s a good time, fast pace, love that. Good time, have some beers, just the guys and you know [you get to] meet new people.”

His second time participating in the event, Churchill said that tournaments like the Fish Findlay are important for small communities like Shawville, as they have a way of bringing everyone together in a positive environment.

“Brings everybody together right,” said Churchill. “Everybody comes out, shows their support you know. That’s what it’s about right. Small town community coming out to support the local boys who are running this. So, I think it’s good.”

Brock Van Veen, who travelled all the way from Peterborough to play in the tournament said he plays in a lot of tournaments of the like back home, however he enjoyed this one especially because it allowed him to discover a community that was previously unknown to him.

“It’s nice to kind of get out of town and bring some business to the small towns too, said Van Veen. “I think it’s great to bring everyone out to the small towns,” said Van Veen. “It’s good for all of us to kind of understand what smaller towns are about and get to interact with the people.”

According to the organizers, the money raised from entry fees, bar sales and food profits are all dedicated to contribute to Shawville minor hockey.

Above, according to the organizers, the tournament has grown in popularity every year since it first started seven years ago. Pictured, a player protects the puck from a defenseman in the corner of the zone.

The tournament provided non-stop high-flying action with a combination of high skill and schoolyard rules. Pictured, players line up for the first and only face-off of a round-robin game.

Taking place over four days, the tournament had a total of 20 teams competing in four different divisions. Pictured, two players from the A division battle for the puck along the boards, during a first round match-up.

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