Stiff competition in Santa Street Hockey Challenge

John MacGillis, Special to TC Media

CORNWALL, Ontario – Although the weather may not feel like Christmas, the holiday spirit was certainly present at the Santa’s Street Hockey Challenge.

Montreal Road was closed on Saturday morning between McConnell and Baldwin to Avenue host the fourth annual Santa’s Street Hockey Challenge. The tournament drew over 100 elementary school students to participate and represent their school in three versus three street hockey.

Over the four years it has taken place, it has grown and developed, according to Rob McIntosh, co-chair of the event. “Last year we started the school challenge and that’s grown to the point that we have 32 teams” McIntosh said. This year the school challenge offers prizes of $1, 000, $750, and $500 to the schools that demonstrate the most sportsmanship, school spirit, and have the most teams participating. There is also an open division for any other elementary students looking to participate outside of their school team.

“Every kid gets a beautiful medal sponsored by the Kinsmen Club of Cornwall,” McIntosh said, “it really brightens up their day”. Participants were guaranteed three games and a medal thanks to their many corporate and community sponsors, including the Cornwall Police Association, JEKA, and the Kinsmen Club of Cornwall.

Any elementary school student can participate for free next year in Santa’s Street Hockey Challenge by signing up on their website at sshc.weebly.com and entering their own team.

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