Editorial: Thanks Leo

What an incredible weekend it was for hockey lovers, and incidentally for Morrisburg and South Dundas.

The 47th Annual Leo Boivin International Midget AAA Showcase came to town, welcoming 12 incredible teams, their coaches and families, tournament organizers, a host of scouts and dignitaries (including Leo Boivin himself), and hundreds of fans who wanted to see some exceptional hockey.

And our community came through and did us proud.

Prescott, where the Tournament has always taken place, had to close their arena in the summer of 2018, which meant that alternate arrangements had to made for “The Leo.”

“We unanimously agreed to reach out to our neighbours for assistance,” said Vicki Sargeant, president of the South Grenville Minor Hockey Association. “We would like to thank the Municipality of South Dundas, the staff, businesses, minor hockey association and community partners who have welcomed us to Morrisburg for the tournament weekend. It has been a warm welcome and we truly appreciate that everyone is coming together to ensure the longevity of our tournament.”

Weeks of intensive planning and organization went into moving the Tournament to Morrisburg: co-operation at all levels was vital.

Local groups gave up ice time.

Arena and municipal staffs worked long hours to ensure the ice and the plant were in top condition.

Seaway District High School students created welcoming murals and Bryce St. Pierre and Nicholas Howard played both national anthems during the opening ceremonies. Families billeted players.

The Lions canteen was humming.

Local businesses worked hard to meet every tournament and player need over three very busy days.

However the one thing that coaches, players, organizers and fans commented on most, over the entire weekend, was the incredible warmth of the South Dundas welcome.

We let them know that this is a caring, exciting and vital community.

The Ottawa Junior Senators took home the Leo Boivin Trophy at the end of Tournament. Hopefully everyone took home good memories.

Since you’re here…

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