The annual Flying Elbows hockey tournament took over Shawville this weekend, bringing 20 teams to town for the community fundraiser.
The arena was packed with high-flying hockey from Wednesday afternoon until late in the evening on Saturday, when the three division championships were contested.
“It was awesome. Every year it’s really good hockey,” said organizer Will Armitage.
After the final games were played, the Breckenridge Red Wings were champions of the James Smith Memorial Division, winning 5-4 in the finals against the Pontiac Thunder.
Electric Stable emerged champions of the Bryan Murray division with a 5-1 win over North Clarendon, while the Flying Elbows won the Royce Richardson division with a 4-1 victory over the BarnBurners.
Steve Beck’s team Beck Electric came in third place in the open division. Born and raised in Shawville, Beck said he hasn’t missed many Flying Elbows tournaments in its 29-year history.
“I love the opportunity to introduce my out of town friends to the buzz that circles this tournament,” he said of why he keeps coming back.
Beck invited his friend, former Ottawa Senators player Chris Neil to play on his team. Neil suited up for one game, also making time to meet some of the locals.
Armitage said it was good to have Neil as well as many other high-level players at the tournament as it adds to the calibre of talent on the ice.
“He’s a down to earth, awesome person,” Armitage said.
He said in the tournament’s 29-year history, it has donated to causes such as palliative care at the Pontiac Hospital, local families in need, as well as various items at the arena.
“It’s really a community tournament,” he said, adding that the tournament donates to whatever cause is needed in the community.
He said the proceeds from this year’s tournament will be saved for next year, the 30th edition, for a larger donation.
