New Face at East West

Jason Laferriere is one of 13 high school students from Ecole Secondaire Publique L'Odyssee that took part in their first ever East West game. Photo by Chris Dawson.

The East West game was a classic this year, and a pretty memorable occasion for 13 newcomers to the event.

Ecole Secondaire Publique L'Odyssee officially became the newest member of the East-West phenomenon.

The North Bay french speaking high school opens next fall, but a handful of students are already in classes at Canadore college.

They didn't participate on the ice, but they did kick off the event with the first one minute cheer.

"It's great," said student Melanie Palmer. "We are small but we are full of spirit and ready to do this."

Jason Laferriere, a grade 9 student from L'Odyssee felt a little bit overwhelmed.

"It's very intimidating because we are such a small school," he said. "It's kind of hard to beat that."

East West Convener Nat Brunette is excited to have another school on board.

"They've never been associated with something like this so it's going to be a real learning experience," she said.

Next year the new French speaking high school hopes to make some noise on the ice too.

"I'd like to play on the hockey team next year if I can make it, hopefully I will," Laferriere said.