J.D. POTIÉ
Shawville
Jan. 24-26, 2020
The Shawville Arena was buzzing last weekend, as hockey players from different parts of . . .
Ontario and Quebec competed in the third annual Pontiac Provincial Bantam/Midget Tournament.
Considering the success of the Atom/Pee Wee tournament over the last several years, the tournament’s treasurer, Jeff Ireland, said that putting on one for the older kids was a no-brainer.
“We were approached by a few members of the committee about possibly expanding it and we thought ‘Let’s make it that even more kids have a tournament in their hometown,’” he said.
This year’s event involved 16 teams from four different levels competing in three-game round-robins on Friday and Saturday followed by a knockout round on Sunday.
Ever since organizing the tournament three years ago, the tournament’s success has likely exceeded its organizing committee’s expectations, Ireland said.
“It has been a great success,” he said. “Probably better than we initially thought. The positive feedback, not only from the players and the parents, but the community has been phenomenal.”
During the opening ceremony of the Atom/Pee Wee tournament the weekend before, organizers commemorated Shawville-native stand-out player from the late 60s and early 70s Jimmy Russell.
Next year, the organizers are planning on doing something special to commemorate another deserving individual for the Bantam/Midget tournament.
“We would like to do something every year to commemorate someone,” he said. “We’re looking at possibilities.”
In the Bantam A division, the Gatineau Chevaliers came out as champs after knocking off the Cumberland Dukes 4-1. In Bantam B, the Loups des Collines emerged victorious, following a 4-3 decision against the Gatineau Patriotes.
In Midget A, the hometown Pontiac Lions won the championship with a 4-2 upset over the Renfrew Timberwolves. In Midget B, the Aylmer Pirates eviscerated their cross-town rivals, the Aylmer Raftsmen, 7-1 for the top prize.
