Young Canada Week in the 2020s: Postponements Played a Part in Survival of World’s Oldest Minor Hockey Tournament in Goderich

The Goderich Lions Young Canada Week (YCW) hockey tournament had a late entry into the 2020s due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

No tournaments could be held in 2020 and in 2021.

These postponements played a part in the survival of the world’s oldest minor hockey tournament.

The 2019 tournament had marked a low point in the history of Young Canada Week (YCW). It was becoming more difficult to attract the number of peewee teams needed to make it work.

A record low of 24 teams competed and that number was only possible through the addition of a bantam division.

The chair of the Lions YCW Committee Mike Alcock and Goderich Minor Hockey President Mike McBride had begun a reorganization of the tournament in 2019, but the break provided by COVID-19 gave them the opportunity to return it to action with a whole new format.

The 2022 YCW tournament featured play in three age categories – U13, U15 and U18 in both Local League (LL) and Rep divisions.

There was a quick response among the southwestern Ontario minor hockey systems, and all divisions were filled for the return of the full week competition.

Mayor John Grace and MPP Lisa Thompson attended the opening ceremony and YCW alumnus Ralph Carmichael dropped the puck with his grandson William taking the draw.

Other alumni, Doug Norman from the Goderich Township team of 1950 and Ben Vandenakker along with Tom Phillips from the Seaforth team of 1957-1958 also attended.

The Goderich Sailors won the LL championship to add to the excitement that year.

The 2023 tournament was a huge success highlighter by a Local Legends Recognition Ceremony celebrating the careers of local NHL players Larry Jeffrey, Gary Doak, Jack Price and Al Dewsbury.

A special guest at the banner-raising was Goderich native Jeff Denomme, the president and CEO of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

In tournament play, the Goderich U13 team was the runner-up in the Rep Division, and the Goderich U18 Rep team was the consolation winner.

The 73rd YCW in 2024 had 44 teams competing and a total of 90 games were played that week.

Goderich teams were the champions in the U18 Rep Division, and consolation winners in the U15 LL Division.

Teams from Mitchell won the U18 LL and were also the consolation winners in the U18 Rep Division.

Chairs Mike Alcock and Mike McBride had encouraged local citizens to renew an old tradition of wearing hockey jerseys during the tournament and a wide variety of sweaters were to be seen in the arena, on the streets in town, and in local stores and businesses.

“Through a lot of work, volunteers from Goderich Minor Hockey and the Lions Club have brought Young Canada Week back,” said McBride.

“Through their efforts, we have met with an overwhelming response throughout the town and from the hockey community.”

The 2025 tournament was again filled and Goderich had teams competing at all six competition levels.

Twin Centre defeated Goderich in the U18 Rep final, Saugeen Valley won the U15 Rep Division, and Huron-Bruce defeated Goderich in the U13 Rep final.

Mike Alcock continued his tenure as the Lions committee chair while Brandon Corriveau, the new president of Goderich Minor Hockey assumed the role of tournament director.

Tara Corriveau, secretary for Goderich Minor Hockey became the tournament coordinator.

“Keeping the Young Canada Week tradition alive is special for the players, coaches and their families and for the entire community of Goderich,” said Tara.

“It truly is a community event and a great many people share cherished memories from its long history.”

That history comes to full fruition this year with the special observance of the 75th Young Canada Week beginning on March 13.

A full slate of U13, U15 and U18 Rep and LL games will unfold during the week.

Monday, March 16 has been designated as Young Canada Week Celebration Day with the main event consisting of an evening exhibition contest between the Toronto Maple Leaf alumni team and a Young Canada Week alumni team.

The Leaf team features players such as Doug Gilmour, Rick Vaive and Al Lafrate, while the YCW team has players such as formers NHLers Dave Shaw, Dave McIlwain and Cal O’Reilly scheduled to take part.

This is a ticketed event. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite.com (search Young Canada Week).

A Hockey Hall of Fame Showcase will also be featured, and special games will be played throughout the day.

Be sure to check out the YCW 75th Anniversary Facebook page to see all the special features being planned for the tournament in March.