Young Canada Week commences in Goderich for the 75th anniversary tournament

The 75th Young Canada Week minor hockey tournament kicked off on Friday, March 13 with a ceremonial puck drop by Doug Norman, who played for the Goderich Township Apple Kings team in the very first Young Canada Week in 1950. Taking the face-off were Colton Ritchie and Aaron O’Sullivan. Also present were Mayor Trevor Bazinet, Lions member Richard Madge, Co-Chairs Mike Alcock and Brandon Corriveau and GMHI President Mackenzie Harp.

An historic minor hockey tradition has returned to Goderich for its 75th anniversary tournament.

A year ago, it was decided the 75th anniversary of Young Canada Week should have a proper celebration to acknowledge the rich history of the hockey tournament.

Opening ceremonies took place on Friday, March 13 as local dignitaries, minor hockey representatives, Lions Club members, volunteers, and Goderich Sailors members gathered to commemorate this milestone.

According to Co-Chair Brandon Corriveau, Young Canada Week was created to celebrate youth, sport and community spirit.

What started as a local celebration has grown into something much bigger – a tradition that connects generations of families, players, volunteers and fans.

“My own experiences as both a player and a coach had led me into conversations with total strangers that share a common memory and affection for this tournament,” shared Corriveau.

“That is the true legacy of Young Canada Week – generations connected through community and sport.”

Corriveau acknowledges that events as big as Young Canada Week don’t happen without the dedication of countless volunteers, organisers, sponsors, and supporters.

“To everyone who has helped make this celebration possible over the past 75 years, thank you,” added Corriveau.

“Your commitment has kept this tradition alive.”

Piped in by Dave Hamilton and Kristen Sheardown, opening ceremonies included guest speakers MP Ben Lobb, Mayor of ACW Glen McNeil, Mayor of Goderich Trevor Bazinet, Co-Chairs Mike Alcock and Brandon Corriveau, GMHI President Mackenzie Harp, WOAA/OMHA Len Purdue and Paul Sebastian, Lions International Travis Teed, Goderich Lions President Wayne Lyons.

Video messages came from MPP Lisa Thompson and Premier Doug Ford to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the beloved hockey tournament.

Being part of the organising committee for the past five years has highlighted for Tara Corriveau, YCW Coordinator, how special it is that the community comes together to support this event each time.

“My favourite part is chatting with people as they share their own memories from past tournaments,” added Corriveau.

“We are so thankful to everyone that helps to contribute and make this event so memorable for generations and hopefully for many more years to come.”

Prior to the opening ceremony game played by a U13 LL Goderich Sailors team, Richard Madge sung the Canadian anthem and Doug Norman dropped the ceremonial puck. Norman played for the Goderich Township Apple Kings team in the very first Young Canada Week in 1950.

Taking the ceremonial puck drop were two Goderich Sailors U13 captains, Colton Ritchie and Aaron O’Sullivan.

It was a special evening as both Goderich U13 LL teams were present on the ice as well for a group photo with all the guest speakers.

Co-Chair Mike Alcock explained that on top of making this year special for the 75th anniversary, it was an honour to have Doug Norman attend to drop the ceremonial puck.

“We are excited to bring the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Toronto Maple Leaf alumni to Goderich throughout the 10-day tournament and celebration,” said Alcock.

“It was an honour to have Doug Norman drop the ceremonial puck. Doug played in the very first Young Canada Week and tries each year to watch some games.”

On Friday, March 13, Goderich Sailors Black and Goderich Sailors White both played, both earning a win on the first night of the tournament.

The U13 B Division saw the Twin Centre Stars take the championship title, with West Coast Whitecaps as the runner-up and Clearview Canucks took the consolation.

The U13 LL Division saw Wingham Ironmen Blue take the championship title, with Saugeen Valley Steelheads take the runner-up title and the hometown Goderich Sailors White earn the consolation title.

Later in the week, the U15 games ran from March 17 until March 19, while the U18 games run from March 20 until March 22.

For more information on the tournament visit Facebook or https://tinyurl.com/y3kdnsxf