Each year the US Thanksgiving weekend finds many team athletes skipping school for a few days to take up the North vs South of the border hockey challenge. Minor hockey teams from Thunder Bay flood to the many tournaments on offer in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area rinks. This is usually the one out of country sporting event most competitors will see for the regular season.
Traditionally Thunder Bay teams fare well competing with their peers across the border. On many occasions making playoff runs against their own Thunder Bay hometown teams. Despite the high exchange rates, this year was no exception as the allure of elaborate facilities and the chance for many team bonding opportunities continues to be a big drawing card. Not even one of the biggest snowfalls in recent history around the Duluth area could derail the annual event.
Athletes have the chance to interact with our southern neighbors and share in the common bonds of sport. This year saw one tournament take on a very human twist providing some teams an opportunity to show solidarity and compassion. On hearing of a tragic event befalling one of its rostered competitor teams, the Westfort Maroons peewee team decided to honor the Eagan Wildcats by raising donations and providing a unique Thunder Bay treat of persians kindly donated by Danny Nucci and Staff of Nucci’s Bake A Deli.
Most single A teams will now turn their attention and training to events held within city limits or around NWO. Congratulations to all teams that competed in the American Thanksgiving bonanza bringing back trophies, friendships and many memories for 2019.
