East beats West in NDA All Star Game

Jamie Olivier hits the finish line with the fastest time in the skating portion of the NDA Skills Competition. Photo by Jazz Mathon.

Story by Jazz Mathon

In a format that had players from the same high school face off against each other, the 4th annual NDA All Star Game was filled with fast paced goals and spectacular saves. The West team struck first at the three minute mark, courtesy Andre-Michel Larcher of Franco Cite. The East later responded with two goals to take the period by a 2-1 score. The first was banged in by Mathieu Lavigne of Algonquin and the second by Justin Huycke of Widdifield.

Huycke would eventually follow up with another two goals – good for the natural hat trick - in the second to give the East a 6-4 lead after 40 minutes. In the third period, both teams nodded two goals apiece and the East took the game 8-6.

Despite the loss, West coach, Dale Hewitt said the players from both sides had a blast. “It’s great for the different players, from the different schools to get together and some to play against their teammates, I think it showcased the talent our league has, and I think the players had a great time,” said Hewitt.

As for the skills competition, the hardest Shot went to Graham Loyst of Scollard Hall. His rocket was clocked at 83 MPH.

The fastest skater also plays for the Bears. Jamie Olivier whizzed around the rink with a best time of 13.1 seconds. He was the last skater to compete and never lost his stride.

“I felt like I went around the corners good, just kept skating the whole time, kept my feet going, just tried to get a big leap at the end,” said Olivier.

After the game a shootout was held and the West got revenge beating the East 2-1.

Justin Huycke was named MVP for Team East, while Stephan Devost from West Ferris was named MVP for Team West.