The Comox Valley Sports Centre was alive with action Friday night as payers took to the ice for the sixth annual Mayor’s Cup. The event has become the largest fundraiser for the Comox Valley chapter of KidSport.
Dr. Paul Helpard spearheads the annual game, organizing player support. Assisting in the event’s success is Comox Rotary who donated $1,000 for the third year.
Along with some great draw prizes the total raised this year was $5,470. These funds will go a long way to ensure that local children have the opportunity to participate in sports.
The TSN turning point for the Comox Habs was the national anthem sung beautifully by Rebekah Draper, after that, it was pretty much downhill as the Courtenay Leafs scored early and often to win their second Mayor’s Cup in six years.
Todd Deters contributed a hat trick to help secure the Courtenay victory. Mat Baggaley played a strong game between the pipes for the Buds while Bryce “Tretiak” Gillard was fishing pucks out of his net all game. Injuries to Shawn Vincent (broken ribs) and Stu Tunheim (broken wrist) hampered the Habs’ attempt at a stirring comeback, but Kevin Ruston did manage to break the goose egg for an 8-1 final.
Mayor Ives in his post-game presser noted that luck in the upcoming draft lottery and bargain basement free agent signings could be the key to reclaiming the Cup in 2017, which may see an appearance by the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni on their centennial year tour.
Keep your eyes on Comox City Hall as it will be flying the City of Courtenay’s flag and Mayor Paul Ives wearing a Leafs’ hockey jersey based on a pregame bet between mayors Ives and Jangula.
This year’s event featured some incredible prizes; Shawn Vincent and Brian Howes (inductee on the Comox Valley Walk of Fame) secured two tickets to Victoria’s Hedley concert including backstage passes and a $100 gift certificate to the Keg which was won by Hannah Bourbyn and the new owner of an autographed Canucks Alumni jersey is Alaina Henshaw.
Thanks to Eddie from the Joint Physiotherapy for crafting a splint for Stu’s arm out of his shoulder pads and then adding his talents to the team who were down two men, to Anne and Hannah Vincent for the stacks of delicious cookies and the Blackfin Pub for once again agreeing to host the after game celebration.
The CV chapter of KidSport was founded in 2008 to assist valley kids under the age of 18 to participating in the sport of their dreams. Applications are available on line at www.kidsportcomox.ca . Grants are typically $250/child with priority given to first time applications.
