A Magical year for the North Stars

North York,ON - The North Bay North Stars special needs hockey team completed its first season with a successful showing at the Special Hockey International Tournament held at York University last weekend.

Eighteen team members travelled to North York to participate in the tournament which saw 36 teams from Canada, United States and as far away as London England. The tournament boasted a parade of teams and opening ceremonies hosted by Don Cherry followed by three days of round robin type play with everyone being a winner in the end.

"This tournament is not just about winning," said manager Sharon Fung.

"It's about participating in a sport despite having a disability. It's also about teamwork, comaraderie and of course winning a game or two is a bonus. In fact the North Stars, who are in their very first season of play, manged to win all three of their games but the smile on their faces was about much more than just winning. They met new friends and felt that they were part of a big and incluisve family."

North Stars head caoch Barry Berger felt it was a magical year.

"The biggest reward for me was seeing how they came together as a team," said Berger.

"Not only on the ice but off the ice as well and the whole social aspect of special hockey has been a huge benefit to all the team members who are already talking about next year's tournament in St. Catherines."

Submitted to BayToday.ca