The Cup Winter Classic is returning to Newmarket for its third annual hockey tournament on Feb. 27.
The co-ed hockey tournament is hosted by Sacred Heart Catholic High School and brings students together from both Catholic and public elementary schools in Newmarket, Aurora and East Gwillimbury for a day of fun.
The tournament is run by volunteers, both teachers and students from Sacred Heart, and teachers from the participating schools volunteer to coach and organize the teams.
The tournament began in 2019 with five schools participating, but then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Last year, it returned for the second time with 10 schools and this year it has expanded again to 12 schools.
“We want to keep building it and growing it,” said John Ceci, organizer of the tournament.
Ceci, a mathematics teacher at Sacred Heart, wanted to develop the tournament because it’s unique in that it allows elementary school students to play hockey for their school and brings multiple communities together.
“As a kid, I remember always wanting to play with my friends and represent my school,” said Ceci. “So I figured this would be a great opportunity to give these kids.”
While it is a tournament, Ceci said that it’s all about fun and showing support for these young athletes.
“It’s about having fun with their friends while representing their school,” he said. “We want to create a fun atmosphere for them. It’s a friendly tournament that’s there to give them a new opportunity.”
Ceci is hopeful the community will come out and cheer on the students to make the day even more special for them.
“It’s great for the community and area,” he said. “The kids are going to love it and that’s why we do it.”
The tournament is a round robin before going into a playoff bracket to crown the Cup Winter Classic champion.
It all begins Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 8 a.m. at the Magna Centre, 800 Mulock Dr., and goes until 4 p.m.
The schools participating are Crossland Public School, Alexander Muir Public School, Poplar Bank Public School, Wellington Public School, Notre Dame Catholic Elementary School, Armitage Village Public School, St. Mary Catholic Elementary School, Rick Hansen Public School, St. Andrew Elementary School, Holland Landing Public School, Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Elementary School, and YCDSB Saints (St. Paul, St. Elizabeth Seton, Good Shepherd).
Learn more here.
