It was a busy weekend for a number of young hockey players in our area, as the Pontiac Winter Classic tournament was on in Shawville for the U11-U13 age groups. The arena was buzzing with action all weekend long, and I had fun taking in a few games, as my nephew Noah was playing in the U11A division. They ended up losing in the finals to Extremes Aylmer, but it was nice to see them come up with some big wins throughout the weekend. Congratulations to all of the players and a big hats off to the committee for hosting this fantastic tournament in Shawville. This coming weekend is the U18B Tournament, which should also be an exciting weekend. Good luck to all involved.

Condolences are extended to the family of Donald Dagenais, as he passed away on Dec. 23. Our thoughts are with all of his loved ones at this sad time.

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Doug MacDougall, who passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 4. Doug was the brother to my Quyon social notes writer predecessor, Jill McBane, and husband to Janey MacDougall, who was my first and long-time Equity contact when I took over for Jill writing these notes. Jill, Janey, and all of their family have been in my thoughts and prayers.

Sympathies are also extended to the family and friends of Maurice Prud’homme, who was well known in our community for hosting his annual “Mo’s Fly-In”, originally held on the Ottawa River near his home, and more recently at the Pontiac aerodrome. He was passionate about aviation, and wanted to grow that love and enthusiasm in our community. He will be greatly missed.

Happy birthday to Julia Bernier and Sharon Richards-Young, as they celebrate on Jan. 16. We also have birthday wishes going out to my brother-in-law Christopher Provost, Vikki Stanley, Joanne McMurray, Meagan Schwartz, and Tracey McColgan, as they all celebrate on the 17th. Happy birthday to Rhett Duquette and Ryan Nugent on the 18th, and to Katrine-Anne Villeneuve on the 19th. Best wishes to all celebrating happy occasions this week.

Don’t forget the Quyon Lions Club will be hosting their monthly breakfast this Sunday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Quyon Community Centre. This month’s breakfast is sponsored by Dave Mayer and Monique Robert of Skating Through The Forest in Wolf Lake. I am looking forward to seeing many friendly faces there.