S/He Shoots, S/He Scores!
The Biidaaban Classic Annual Hockey Tournament saw its 32ndyear start bright and early February 20 at the Massey Community Centre! The sun was barely awake at 8am, but students, staff coaches Scott Restoule, Kayla Morrell and Jordan Bennett, volunteer referees, and family members pulled into the arena feverishly ready to play for “the W”. Area schools competed in this beloved winter classic, including Pontiac, Lakeview, AB Ellis, Sacred Heart, Shawanosowe, and Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik. A schedule of games that included three12-minute periods with no stop time (apart from a short break between periods and ice flooding time) was developed by Mr. Kevin Lester, Physical Wellness Instructor at Biidaaban and Convenor of the Biidaaban Classic. Rules of the tournament were clearly defined ahead of time, with ‘having fun’ being at the top of the list! At the end of each game, a photo of the two competing teams was taken, and to ensure schools would have proper timely transportation home, the six schools were divided into Pool A and Pool B based on their geographical distance from Massey.
‘Having Fun’ was the name of the game all day and when asked how they were enjoying the tournament, students responded unanimously with big smiles across their rosy, sweat-drenched faces. Mr. Lester was very pleased with the success of the day, sharing that all of the schools played with respect for each other and for teammates playing at their own personal skill level. Players making up the teams were from all levels of experience, AAA to House League, but Lester noted, “Each player respectfully takes that into consideration, and ensures inclusivity of everyone on the ice. It’s not a 1-person show.” This was evident in the passing/receiving of the puck many times as it travelled brilliantly around the ice to make a goal happen.
The final game of the day was played from 4-5pm, the first-place teams from Pool A and Pool B faced off against each other for the trophy and title of the 2025 Biidaaban Classic. The two contenders were the Sacred Heart Royals (Massey) and the AB Ellis Flames (Espanola). The Royals came out on top, with Mr. Lester announcing the team and coaching staff as 1st place winners of the 32nd Annual Biidaaban Classic! They were awarded the grand trophy and 2025 pennant. The 2nd place team, AB Ellis Flames received cheers and praise from the crowd and were awarded a trophy and pennant as well to display proudly in their school.
The Penny Table fundraiser, supported by Biidaaban’s Student Leadership Council and teachers, was a successful venture for the Grade 8 year-end graduation trip. Their efforts raised over $2200 reported Principal Becky Toulouse! Many prizes were donated by staff and community members for which chi miigwech is expressed. Mr. Lester also appreciatively acknowledges the donation of time and commitment – having spent the entire day in the very chilly Massey Arena – of Grade 8 students; McKinley, Mikayla, Peyton, Gracie and Eden, who performed time keeping duties, volunteer members of the Espanola Paper Kings who provided refereeing for the tournament, and parent volunteers Tara Abitong and Marla Toulouse.
Chi miigwech, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in making this year’s tournament a success, and a story to be shared for years to come.