Submitted by Whitecourt Central

The game of hockey has brought many groups of Canadians together. On Jan 18/17, it was Central's turn to celebrate Canada's favorite outdoor game with a hockey themed day featuring a hockey game between the Whitecourt Wolverines and the Gr 5 students.

Hockey Day at Central started with many students and staff wearing their favourite jersey. Several students connected at lunch recess over hockey cards, and then it was time for the main event - hockey on the outdoor rink.

Fourteen of our grade five students took up the challenge of playing against the Whitecourt Wolverines Major Junior A hockey team. Last year, it was a thrilling 8-7 shootout win for the Central Students, but this year the Wolverines would be looking for revenge in the rematch.

The festivities started with both teams lining up on their respective blue lines while Rebekah led us in "O Canada". Kael and Kaiden skated the flags around the rink in glorious fashion.

Before the game, the Wolverines traded for Grade 5 goalie Boston which started out as a questionable move as Boston couldn't locate his goalie glove and had to sit out the first 2 minutes looking for it. During this time, the Grade 5 Eagles, led by Dennis, scored the first goal of the game. Seconds later, the Wolverines responded with a well placed shot to make it 1-1.

The game then proceeded into a see-saw battle that saw each team score another to make it 2-2, but the Wolverines would break out for 2 more before the period end making it 4-2.

In the second, and final period, it was more furious action from both teams. Despite playing the night before, the Wolverines continued to dominate play going up 5-2 before the Eagles responded to make it 5-3. One Wolverine player then traded his hockey stick in for a mini-stick and proceeded to set up the 6-3 goal. Another Wolverine goal made it 7-3 followed by the Eagles scoring.

Desperate to get a goal that might force overtime, Coach Vasquez sent his entire Gr 5 team out on the ice (which guest referee, Dr. Jim, allowed?), but from here on out, it was the 'Boston Show' as he stopped shot after shot to retain the 7-4 Wolverine victory.

For our fourteen grade 5 students, it was a thrill to play on the same ice as the Whitecourt Wolverines Junior A team. The Wolverines proved to be gracious winners, sticking around after the game to sign numerous autographs for students and handing out several tickets to their upcoming games.

Thank you Town of Whitecourt for preparing the rink with an early morning ice scrape.

Thank you Whitecourt Wolverines for bringing our school and community together on a beautiful January afternoon. All the best to you as you aim to finish your AJHL season in FIRST PLACE

Hockey Day at Central