Donald Teuma-Castelletti
SHAWVILLE March 22-25, 2018
With two out of three divisions hitting overtime in their final games on Sunday, the return of an annual hockey tournament brought the weekend to a close with nearly everyone on the edge of their seats.
As over 300 hockey players hit the ice and more fists flew than elbows, the 19th edition of the Flying Elbows Men’s Hockey Tournament ruled the Shawville Arena, especially on the Sunday afternoon games.
The first of the nail-biters began at 1 p.m. with the beginning of the finals games, as the C division teams The Benders and Stanton’s Bar kicked things off. Early on, Stanton’s seemed the clear winner, but the last minute of the game threw that into a tailspin.
While the scoreboard read 6-4, The Benders weren’t about to go without a fight. Netting one more in the last minute, the Zamboni was nearly on the ice when they tied the game in the final milliseconds of the third period.

With the crowd absolutely frantic and the players cheering, a fourth period began and both teams went for the other hard. Finally, Roger Larocque netted the overtime goal, disappointing The Benders fans as Stanton’s Bar took home the cup.
Next up was Tomlinson against the YA Kings, where yet another overtime game took place. Wrapping up quicker than the previous, the B division teams saw the game tied in the last minute of the third, when the Kings brought the score to an even 3-3. Less than two minutes into overtime, Tomlinson netted another to take home the cup.
Finally, the A division took the rink with Atkinson’s Army facing down Mickey Creek in the last game of the weekend. Defending their title, the Army took home the cup for their third year in the only finals game to not enter overtime that afternoon.
While organizers weren’t able to tell exactly how many folks the event draws out – showing off a garbage bag filled with entrance tickets collected over the weekend – they did share that all of the money raised will continue to benefit the arena.
However, as the tournament looks to enter it’s 20th season, organizers stressed the need for more assistance in a variety of forms. Whether it be in sponsorships or organizational help, they could always use an extra hand.
“We’re always looking for more help,” said Will Armitage, one of the weekend organizers. “Whether it’s money, sponsors, or more people.”
While the crew that ran the show was originally around 20 people, nowadays it is down to three: Armitage, Amanda Lachapelle and Chris Last.
The tournament has, in the past, afforded the arena their scoreboard, and continues to draw in a large crowd from the Pontiac, Aylmer and across the river, benefitting the local businesses, too. With a few more hands and sponsors, the tournament looks to increase their support of the arena, and in turn, the community.
As always, organizers continue to appreciate all the help from everyone involved, whether it be from sponsors, those manning the doors, and all the employees that help to keep the tournament running smoothly.
“Big thanks to all the volunteers, businesses, refs and all the teams,” said Armitage.
“Anyone who does anything for us, but especially, food,” said Lachapelle, with a laugh. “Anyone who brings us food.”