This is the sixth year for the tournament, and it continues to grow, improve and generate rave reviews and enthusiastic feedback from participants. The most important aspect of the tournament is its charitable focus – it’s why we do it. The other important aspect of the tournament is that it’s meant to be fun and inclusive. In other words, this gathering is about making friends and celebrating the great sport of hockey, not taking out aggressions in an all-out bid to win. We can all agree that this tournament offers the opportunity to play the greatest sport on earth in the one of the greatest settings you could imagine – in one of the world’s most beautiful and historic city parks!
This tournament is an ongoing tradition for the Canadian Association of New York and an increasingly substantial contributor of charitable funds to Ice Hockey in Harlem. In addition to the charitable benefits, the tournament fosters an ongoing relationship between Canadians and New Yorkers. Below is a photo of the anthems being sung prior to the 2007 All Star Game.
Although there is always some healthy competition whenever there is a sheet of ice and hockey players involved, the tournament has always been a friendly affair with good sportsmanship and camaraderie between participants.
The level of play tends to range. Tournament organizers will attempt to match your team against appropriate opponents as best as possible. Again, it must be emphasized that participation is the key and players of all levels are encouraged to get out on the ice!
Each year, 14 teams compete for the prestigious Stikeman Cup. In 2009, the Hudson Hogs were the class of the tourney:
In 2010, Stikeman Elliott cruised to victory and brought the Cup back to it’s rightful resting place, behind laser beam security in the lobby of their New York offices:
In 2011, Le National captured glory with a come-from-behind victory in the final game.
Who will capture the big prize this year?