BARRY’S BAY – Although the weather dipped well below -30 degrees Celsius on the evening of February 13, hundreds of people showed up to watch the coveted Timberfest Stanley Cup hockey game.
The action took place at the Paul J. Yakabuski Community Centre. Commissioners and creators of the game, David Shulist and Phil Skebo, welcomed everyone to the games during the opening ceremonies.
Jeanette Mackintosh led in the singing of the national anthem.
Afterwards, Shulist unveiled a new Winnipeg Jets flag, which will replace the makeshift one that hangs in the arena. It was hung several years ago in protest of the NHL lockout. Bill Schroeder, a local teacher who hails from Winnipeg, donated the new flag.
Shulist said he and Skebo have decided to give all the rights of the Timberfest Stanley Cup hockey game to the Barry’s Bay and Area Minor Hockey Association.
“Today, our wish is for the association to have sole possession of the event to raise money for the future of our local youth hockey programs, which benefits our whole area,” Shulist said. “We believe that keeping our minor hockey system strong, it will also ensure our community centre strength.”
Get your February 17, 2016 edition of The Valley Gazette to read the full story.