Goderich Young Canada Week 74th Edition

The 74th edition of the Goderich Lions Young Canada Week, minor hockey's longest-running tournament, takes to the ice Friday, March 7, 2025, and continues daily with the final games on Saturday, March 15.

This year's tournament will involve a total of 44 teams in three divisions playing 90 games. Three age groups are featured, with the U13 Local League and Rep teams playing March 7-9, the U15 teams March 10-12 and the U18 teams March 13-15. 

Goderich Minor Hockey teams will be playing, one in each of the six competition levels.

The tournament is sponsored by the Goderich Lions Club and organized by Goderich Minor Hockey. Mike Alcock is the chair of the Lions YCW Committee and Brandon Corriveau, President of Goderich Minor Hockey, is the Tournament Director. Tara Corriveau, Secretary of Goderich Minor Hockey, is the Tournament Co-ordinator.

Registrations for the tournament filled up quickly and Tara Corriveau sees this as a testament to how well-run it is at a time when there are many other options available to teams.

"They choose to return year after year", Corriveau added.

"Goderich Minor Hockey is thrilled to join with the Goderich Lions to keep the tradition alive. It's special for the players, coaches and their families and for the entire community of Goderich. It truly is a community event and a great many people share cherished memories from its long history."

Lion Committee Chair Alcock tells of how, when he was recently soliciting donations, a Goderich restaurant owner was so excited to contribute, commenting on how the week is one of his best.

"The tournament helps the Lions raise funds for their community work, but it also helps support community businesses,” Alcock explained.

Alcock is already looking ahead to next year when the "grand-daddy of all tournaments" will celebrate its 75th anniversary. He promises there will be special features to make the tournament bigger and better than ever.

Alcock also is extending an invitation to would-be volunteers.

"You don't have to be a Lion to be involved in Young Canada Week,” he said.

“If you are interested, let me know.”

Danny Granger, who grew up in Goderich, is a big supporter of the tourney, and the proprietor of "Danny Granger Art". He will be returning to Young Canada Week this year with special guests.

Granger will be at the opening ceremonies, March 7, at 7 p.m., with an NHL alumni guest who will be signing Danny Granger Art hockey cards for fans.

On the last day of the tournament (Saturday, March 15) he will be bringing Sean "the Sheriff" McMorrow with him. McMorrow, a draft pick and alumnus of the Buffalo Sabres, will be recording an episode of his "Sheriff's Podcast" at the tournaments final game.

McMorrow will also be available for photos and autographs for what Granger describes as "a must-attend event for hockey lovers and art enthusiasts alike".

This, along with other attractions such as the daily 50/50 draw, with sales aided by the Goderich Flyers junior hockey team, and opening ceremonies to mark the beginning of each division, should help guarantee a fun-filled week at this year's Young Canada Week.