SUMMERSIDE – A tide of athletes rolled into Credit Union Place’s Ice Pad for many fun-filled hours playing hockey with bright orange balls instead of pucks, and, for some, sparks of Canadian nostalgia over three days.
Tyson Campbell, a Summerside resident, says it’s more than just a sport. The 27-year-old was playing road hockey with his neighbours, family and friends at an early age, so when his work colleagues asked him to join their Greco team in the Men’s C Division of the Street-Fest road hockey tournament, he jumped at the opportunity.
“It’s nice to get out with friends, instead of being at home,” remarked Campbell. “I grew up playing this game, and it’s always been a fun pastime with some friendly competition.”
The street-fest road hockey tournament is hosted by the Summerside Recreational Hockey League, and has steadily grown over the years.
“(The) first year I had 19 teams, last year there was 30 teams and this year we have 35,” noted tournament chairman Aaron Doyle, who added a total of 88 games were played.
Among the 35 teams that played in the third annual tournament, 19 were men’s and there were 16 youth squads. There were four off-Island entries.
Teams representing Summerside, Bedeque, Charlottetown, Kensington, Wellington. Moncton, Halifax, Fredericton, Saint John and Sherwood competed in seven divisions. “We have kids participating right up to adults in their 50s,” noted Doyle.
The Mardi-Gras-style scrimmage event began early Friday evening, with play continuing throughout the weekend until Sunday.
“They all have four round-robin games, after that the teams with the best records will compete for the playoffs and the top two teams will end up playing for the championship and get prizes such as beer mugs, T-shirts and hats,” explained Doyle.
Finals
Street-Fest road hockey tournament finals:
Men’s A Division
The Dangolian Army defeated last year’s champion Ashbury Eagles 11-9.
Men’s B Division
Kensington Mighty Ducks defeated last year’s champions, Pizza Delight, 12-9.
Men’s C Division
Amherst Onetimers defeated The Good Guys 13-.
Bantam Boys Division
The Dekes of Hazzard defeated Gibby Nation 17-16.
Atom Boys Division
The Grim Reapers, who were undefeated in round-robin play, finally ran out of legs as newcomers Extreme Mania defeated them 13-8.
Novice Boys Division
The Stick Magnets defeated newcomers Crossbar Cronies 9-4.
Skills Division
The Las Vegas Golden Tykes defeated Moves Like Jagr 10-7.
Note: Additional tournament scores are available online at www.eteams.com/srhl.
Kensington native
Amherst team captain Steven Brander, who is formally from Kensington, made his first trip to Street-Fest this year with his team from Amherst, where he has resided for the last 13 years.
“It was great to come home, play some hockey, see some family and friends,” said Brander. “It was a really great weekend, and we will definitely be back.”
It was game on for some players like Jason Gaudet and his teammates from Moncton.
“Our team has been playing together for more than a year, and we try to hit all the tournaments around the Atlantic provinces,” said Gaudet.
“We are a team full of guys that take this game to heart, and put in 110 per cent every time. It’s just in our blood. The intensity comes out sometimes, and it can get a bit choppy, but it’s all for fun and after the game we shake hands with the other team and everyone is friends,” he continued.
“I also can’t say enough for this tournament, and lots of props to Aaron for organizing it.”
Tournament MVP awards were presented to the top players after the championship games in each adult division. Championship banners and prizes were awarded to all division winners. Major tournament sponsors were Greco/Capt. Sub/Frozu, Molson Canadian and City of Summerside.
