The start of the National Hockey League season is upon us, and it’s fair to say that the truly dedicated NHL fans are thankful the season has been saved in some form.
And while I’m happy the NHL Lockout is over, I’d be happier if the ongoing dispute between the province and its school teachers was also settled.
Without getting overly political here, my job has far more enjoyment when there’s Bluewater Athletic Association events to promote and results to pass along.
Since late November, we’ve been devoid of Bluewater information based on the political landscape.
I don’t have enough time to outline all the benefits of high school athletics; benefits to the participants, the schools and to the communities at large, but I will give you one quick example.
Last week in Walkerton and Hanover, there was a 6 team boys hockey tournament, the first-ever Wes for Youth Online tournament.
Norwell District from Palmerston won the Gold Medal Final, the Sacred Heart Crusaders of Walkerton won the Silver Final and the Bronze Final was won by the St Mary’s Mustangs of Owen Sound.
Of far greater significance was the awareness raised for the Wes for Youth Online service, a website dedicated to the memory of Wes Cameron who was a goaltender in Walkerton Minor Hockey and with the Grey-Bruce Highlanders.
The tournament generated several thousand dollars for the cause which serves as a crisis counselling outlet for teenagers.
It’s nice the NHL’ers are back, but in this part of the world, maybe right across the province, we need more success stories like the Wes For Youth Online tournament at the high school level of athletics.
I’m Fred Wallace