The first International Silver Stick Tournament took place in 1958 at one of the only indoor rinks in Richmond, Ontario. Inspired by a friendly exhibition game between an Ottawa West, Ontario team and Potsdam, New York Bantams, the tournament philosophy was aimed at helping the boys develop “Citizenship and International Goodwill through hockey”.
Now, almost 60 years later, the Silver Stick Tournaments are still going strong. With regional qualifiers and the International Finals in all levels, hundreds of thousands of minor hockey players will remember their Silver Stick tournament days.
This weekend I’m at the Regional Qualifier tournament in Pembroke, Ontario and I will be back here next weekend with my older son for his qualifier. These will be my family’s 11th and 12th Regional tournaments, and we’ve been fortunate enough to attend a few International tournaments, as well, and even came out with one cherished championship. From the many tournaments I’ve attended, win or lose, the Silverstick tournaments are always my favourite. Organized, well-run, and you can still feel that goodwill that was so important to the founders.
These tournaments, and the legacy of this tournaments, would not live on without the thousands of volunteers who make them possible. Many of these volunteers have been helping for over 40 years ~ they are something else. Hockey is built upon the time and commitment of others. On behalf of all of those who enjoy the Silver Stick tournaments each year, thank you to all the Silver Stick volunteers who make these happen. Always helpful, always smiling, and always dressed in green.
To learn more about Silver Stick tournaments go to http://silverstick.org/
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