Is it a dynasty in the making?
Comox retained possession of the Mayor’s Cup at the second annual charity fundraising hockey game, held March 24 at the Comox Valley Sports Centre.
Rumour has it that captain Greg Phelps’ Courtenay team’s confidence was shattered by the unfortunate colour of their jerseys. Both teams played hard, but Comox took an early lead and were ahead by four goals partway through the second period.
During the intermission, fans and players were treated to an exhibition match by two teams from the Comox Valley Minor Hockey Novice D program. A lively game between the Blizzards and the Ice Breakers brought cheers from the supportive crowd.
Once back on the ice, Courtenay regained their composure and with a team effort scored four quick goals to tie the game. The competition was on and with only a minute left in regulation play Mike Huska beat goalie Mackenzie Manning for the tiebreaker to place the victory once again with the Comox team. Comox Mayor Paul Ives congratulated all players on a well-challenged match and accepted the coveted Mayor’s Cup trophy which will be returned to adorn the walls of the Comox town council chambers.
The game was the culmination of the group’s recreational play for the season but more importantly it was a fundraiser for local children. Ryan Williams, director with the Comox Valley chapter of KidSport, accepted a cheque from event organizer Paul Helpard for $3,452. “These funds will help the organization ensure that ALL kids can play,” an event spokesperson noted.
Special thanks to Wendy Nixon Stothert for adding her amazing vocals to open the event with the singing of O Canada. Congratulations to Keegan Rivett and Nolan Stewart for preparing their respective teams so well for the match. Thanks to volunteer refs Ken Mackenzie and Jonah LaChapelle.
Applications for KidSport are available online at www.kidsportcomox.ca. Grants are typically $250/child with priority given to first-time applications.
