Collingwood Collegiate Institute (CCI) is shining the light on hockey in the community with a full day of games featuring local elementary school and high school teams.
On Jan. 16, elementary schools from Collingwood, Stayner, Nottawa, Creemore, and Wasaga Beach will be sending teams of Grade 7 and 8 students to participate in a full-day, non-contact, co-ed hockey tournament. In the evening, there will be two exhibition games between CCI and Jean Vanier Catholic High School’s girls and boys teams.
The event is part of the coursework for students enrolled in the CCI Hockey Focus Course.
The course is available at the Grade 11 level, and is a class dedicated to the game of hockey. Participants take part in on-ice sessions, off-ice sessions, and leadership activities that benefit the community.
Todd Hammond is the course instructor.
“[Hockey day in Collingwood] is a leadership activity for the 22 students enrolled in this class,” said Hammond. “Students plan, organize, and run the event, demonstrating many of the leadership skills they have been developing throughout the term.”
The elementary school tournament, featuring 10 local elementary schools, will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena.
The skill levels in the tournament range from AAA-LL, and event organizers encouraged inexperienced players to take part as a member of their school’s team.
“Each year, we have seen an increase in the number of girls taking part in the event,” said Hammond. “The goal of the day is to have fun while allowing Grade 7 and 8 students the opportunity to play hockey with their classmates.”
At 6:30 p.m. the puck will drop for a girls hockey game featuring the CCI Fighting Owls hockey team versus the Vanier Storm. The boy's teams will face off after that at about 7:30 p.m.
“Currently, both CCI and Jean Vanier’s boy's teams are atop their respective standings and will provide a very high-paced and entertaining game,” said Hammond.
There’s no admission fee, but donations to the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital will be accepted at the gate. There will also be fundraising games like chuck-a-puck during the evening events with proceeds being donated to the hospital.
