The Spirit of Hockey and Community Cup has truly grown into a pre-Christmas classic.
Over the years, the high school hockey showdown between the PGSS Polars and the College Heights Cougars has provided thrilling moments for players and fans alike. It has also served as a lightning rod for giving - funds have been donated to the Salvation Army, and mountains of food have been delivered to the St. Vincent De Paul Society. As well, warm winter clothing has been collected for those who need it most.
The Spirit of Hockey and Community Cup is more commonly known as the Spirit Game, and it hits the ice today (12:15 p.m.) at CN Centre. The Polars and Cougars will skate in the 14th annual edition of the game, expected to draw a crowd of more than 1,500 elementary and secondary school students.
So yes, in more ways than one, the Spirit Game is a big deal.
"For most of our kids, this will probably be the biggest hockey game they'll play in their lives," said Kevin Baldridge, vice principal and athletic director at PGSS and the man who serves as the liaison between the school and its hockey program, started by teacher Renzo Berra in 2002. "They'll have family and a lot of their friends watching them play. They'll probably never be in front of a crowd this size again.
"Some of our kids have been in the hockey program for five years so they're pretty excited," Baldridge added. "This is kind of culminating their hockey time at PGSS."
The Polars enter the Spirit Game as defending champion. Last year, they beat the Cougars 4-2 and pushed their overall record in the contest to 9-4.
"Year to year, we always try to win the game - it's important to our team," Baldridge said. "We did have a pretty good game last year. We've got a new group of kids but they're always looking to defend the Cup."
In terms of ability levels and age range, both teams have a mix of players, weighted a little more heavily to senior students. No members of the Prince George Cougars or Cariboo Cougars will be involved but there will be bantam rep and midget rep players from the Prince George Minor Hockey Association in uniform.
While College Heights doesn't have a hockey program on the same scale as PGSS, it does have a hockey course for Grade 9 and Grade 10 students. Some of those players are sharing space with the senior-aged skaters on the Cougars roster.
"This is something our senior students especially - heading out of their high school time at College Heights - look forward to playing in," said College Heights principal Randy Halpape. "They get to represent their school and play in front of their friends and family. I think you'll see a very action-packed and spirited game and hopefully we can come out on the positive end of things.
"We have some work to do and we know that. We're hoping we can start to tilt the table in our direction."
Despite last year's loss in the game, College Heights did have one thing to brag about - its staff beat the PGSS staff in a shootout held during the second intermission. The shootout, with three on each side, will happen again today and Halpape is hoping for the same result.
Ideally, he'd like to put a puck in the net himself.
"Considering I haven't been on the ice yet this year, I think it could be touch and go," he said with a laugh. "But this is a great community event. It's not just about hockey, it's about community and school spirit and the things we can do to raise the profile of helping others this time of year as well."
Spirit of Hockey and Community Cup team rosters
PGSS Polars
Zach Parlee
Holden Taylor
David Loewen
Mason Roche
Tyler Thompson
Dustin Thomas
Victoria Johnston
Logan Archer
Kenna Lloyd
Austin Guignard
Jaden French
Elliott Haddon
Ryan Whitehead
Clayton Brown
Cody Bailey
Brandon Dent
Raymond Prive
Braeden Young
Mathew Ens
Kyle Boshier
Jake Sweet
Players' coach: Shawn Davis
Co-coaches: Lorne Hauk, Joe Flavel, Renzo Berra
College Heights Cougars
Jacob Drapeau
Josh Adams
Jared Apolczer
Tyler Marsh
Noah Goyer
Dawson Brienen
Branther Federucci
Ian Foreman
Brandon Gill
Tyler Braaten
Braedon Salton
Jaxson Hawes
Justine Guillet
Lucas Federucci
Colton Illingworth
Douglas Porter
Dawson Day
Matt Leslie
Nolan Dancey
Bryce Blackman
Head coach: Craig Horswell
Assistant coach: Jason Sacher
