BARRY’S BAY – Local hockey buffs got a taste of the Canadian International Amateur Hockey Federation this past weekend.
On November 1 and 2, three hockey teams came to town including the Batchewana Attack, Milton Cobras and Espanola Rivermen.
They played two regular games at the Paul J. Yakabuski Community Centre in Barry’s Bay, one on Saturday evening and another on Sunday afternoon.
The CIHL is looking at bringing a team to the Madawaska Valley Township, and is trying to gauge public interest by selling season tickets to locals. The township is holding the money in trust until the team comes to town.
The township’s Recreation and Community Development Coordinator, Paul Nopper, said more than 250 people attended the two games.
“We have currently booked 26 season tickets, which is a good start to the campaign,” Nopper confirmed. “There was some great hockey played here over the weekend. Very fast paced, high scoring and lots of hits. The teams played with intensity and heart, which all the fans appreciated.”
Nopper clarified that this is the first step in the process of making the team a reality for the 2015/2016 season. Season tickets will continue to be on sale through to 2015.
Over the weekend, David Shulist was appointed the president of the Madawaska Valley junior hockey steering committee.
Shulist will be responsible for recruiting members of the public to encourage hockey fans to sign up for season tickets. According to Shulist, the committee will be the liaison between the CIHL and the local junior A hockey team.
Get your November 5, 2014 edition of The Valley Gazette to read more of this story.