A pair of local hockey organizations teamed up over the weekend to host a fun even with a very good cause behind it.
Under the bright lights of the Bill Barber Community Center, the East Nipissing Peewee ‘A’ Vipers faced off against the North Bay Major Atom ‘AA’ Trappers.
Trappers’ winger, Benjamin Brunton met up with Vipers’ centreman, Colin Evans, to receive the ceremonial puck drop from former junior Trapper and Canadian recording artist, Cory Marks (formerly known at Marquardt).
With three referees braving the frigid cold, the game was packed with multiple goals from both Trappers’ players Mason Fike and Colton Loiselle, and Vipers’ players Colin Evans, Aydan Middaugh, and Kieran Smith.
Vipers’ goaltenders Hannah Brunton and Kaylee Lang, along with Trapper’s tenders Terry Bradley and Carson Ruddy put on an impressive show; all four skating away with game stars.
The outcome of the game was a distant thought as the many smiling and cold faces of two competitive teams brought the game to a close with cheers from a large crowd. The many family, friends and spectators helped these two teams raise over $800 for KidSport North Bay and a large quantity of food for the Callander Foodbank.
This Winter Classic was a true testament of sportsmanship and the power of teamwork, bringing two communities together for the love of the game.