The Barrie Women’s Hockey Association’s House League Championship playoffs invaded the East Bayfield Community Centre this weekend.
A total of 44 teams from all over the area competed for trophies and bragging rights as the Barrie Sharks held their year-end annual event to packed bleachers. All levels of hockey were showcased with girls from as far away as Huntsville competing.
Lynne Beech is the Junior League Director and believes that house league championship weekend is a one of the most anticipated hockey events on the Barrie Women's Hockey Association calendar.
“This is so exciting for the kids and their families,” said Beech. “House league does have players of all skill levels, whether it be just starting, casually playing or even more experienced. For most of them this is the pinnacle of their hockey season and you tell because there are some great games happening these last two days.”
Hosting an event like this is no easy task but one that Beech enjoys thoroughly.
While she does get a hand from her husband and a few parents always looking to help, Beech is in charge of organizing the schedules, ordering trophies and handing them out. It’s a task she looks forward to as she herself has had four reasons to get involved.
“Four kids involved and I’m down to my last one this year,” said Beech. “Becoming active in this is the best way to keep close with them as the season progresses, even if it is quite hectic. It is great to see all the smiles and accomplishments.”
One of the more rewarding stories from the weekend was that of the Huntsville Girls Hockey Association.
This was the first year that the Huntsville Girls Hockey Association was involved in the Barrie tournament. The Sting as they are known, have always played against the boys in their local area as there wasn’t a very big pool to choose from.
Rick Armstrong is the assistant coach of the Atom Hunstville squad who placed second after losing to eventual champions Orillia in a 3-2 final. As a father of one the girls, Armstrong is extremely satisfied with his team’s performance and is glad to see they are playing alongside their peers.
“This was a great game and we’re very proud of this result,” said Armstrong. “We played Orillia two weeks ago and they beat us 5-0, so its nice to see the progress. It kind of all started with the Under-17 Girls Team Canada tournament that was in Huntsville. That was our first big event and kind of got everyone involved and helped gain more interest. Before that we were playing boys teams in the area and now our teams are feeling more like they’ve found something of their own.”
With Barrie being the largest city in events like these, its natural for the Sharks to have several teams vying for awards.
The Sharks were well-represented by different coloured squads with Navy in Midget and Bantam taking first place honours in their respective divisions and Barrie Gold winning first in the Novice level.
The North Simcoe Capitals (Midland) needed a shoot-out to topple a tough Orillia Hawks team, but won the Pee-Wee title in the end. Lance Sosnowich and his wife Lacey were there to cheer on their daughter Emily who is enjoying her second year of Sharks hockey. While Emily’s older brother has been well into the sport for years, it was music to dad’s ears that he would now have another child hitting the ice on a regular basis.
“After having to watch her brother play every weekend, she finally said she wanted to try it and I was overjoyed,” said Sosnowich. “Not only do we love the game, but she is learning so many great things about teamwork and discipline, not mention the coaches and league itself are so great to everyone; it’s a real family atmosphere.”
Emily may not have walked away with a first-place trophy, but you would have never known it from the ear to ear smile she was sporting. The Barrie Women’s Hockey Association House League tournament once again proved it wasn’t necessarily about the scores, but about the kids involved and the fun they have.
“I like it because I like playing hockey and seeing my friends,” said Emily. “It’s a lot of fun.”
To get ready for next House League season, check the Sharks website and watch for updates in the registration section. Seasons usually begin at the beginning of October with evaluations at the end of September.
