The North Bay North Stars headed south on the weekend to participate in the 3rd annual Kitchener Ice Pirates friendship tournament at the Activa Sportsplex.
Out of town tournaments are a real highlight for the teams as they rarely get a chance to play other teams in the Special Hockey International League.
The tournament consisted of three games for each team as well as a Banquet and dance party on Saturday night.
“Weekends like this are great for the team,” said North Stars longtime manager Sharon Fung.
“It’s a great team bonding experience and good for the group to play their peers for a change. It gives them a chance to experience a little competitive play with teams that are at the same level of play and they really rise to the occasion.”
Fung adds that the North Stars are still the only special hockey team in Northern Ontario so they get game ready by playing community groups throughout the season.
Both the A and B teams were up against some good southern Ontario talent but they played with their usual enthusiasm and skill and enjoyed the experience while demonstrating good Northern Ontario sportsmanship.
Both teams ended the tournament with a special medal ceremony on the ice.
They still have a little action left this season with a visit from the Don Mills Diamonds on March 11th and then a one-day mini-tournament in Parry Sound on March 24th.
