On November 24 at the Paul J. Yakabuski Community Centre (PJYC) in Barry’s Bay a busy public skate session ended just minutes before the puck dropped for the Bay Blades home game against visiting Kawartha Blazers. The skaters who went home missed out on a very tight game – nail-biting in fact. Anita Jessup said, “It was a close game; the final score was 1-0 for the Blades. Logan Beanish scored with 14 seconds left in the third period. This was our first home game since joining the Ontario Sledge Hockey League and our second game in a row playing Kawartha Blazers. When we played Kawartha in Peterborough, the final score was 3-1 for the Blades.” Pictured above is the Bay Blades Open Team. Behind boards: Coach Adam Stoppa, Eli Stoppa, Trainer Mathew Jenkins, Mia Jenkins, Coach Denver Beanish; On ice from left: Back row: Mackenzie Levean, Shawnta Levean, Logan Beanish, Madision Jenkins, Cayden Beanish, Jacob Afelskie, Thomas Nicholson; Middle row: Maddox Jenkins, Alyssa Levean, Chadd Stoppa, Benjamin Afelskie, Jeremiah Nicholson; Front Row: Isaac Afelskie, Joe Afelskie (goalie) London Beanish (Photo submitted)
The team is off to a great start, the sledge season consists of five home games and five away games; then into playoffs if the team qualifies. Since the league includes teams from all around the Province, teams are pretty spread out. Other teams in this division with Barry’s Bay are from Hamilton, Kawartha, Brampton, London and Northumberland. The teams have agreed to use half way ice when playing London so that the Blades don’t have to travel all the way out there for one game.
Jessup told The Current: “It was nice to have some spectators come out to support the team and we invite you to come out to watch some of our other games. We have had a sledge hockey club here in Barry’s Bay for 6 years now and this is our first season in the League. The players and families are excited with the change; we look forward to a fun filled season. We are also running a recreation program on Friday evenings at the PJYC at 6:30 p.m.” For more information on how to join in the fun, contact Anita Jessup at jessup2081@hotmail.com
- December 8th Blades vs Kawartha 4:00 pm
- January 5th Blades vs Northumberland 4:00 pm
- January 19th Blades vs Hamilton 12:00
Sledge hockey accepts kids whatever their level of skill or ability – whether they play stand-up or they sit on a sledge they can still enjoy the excitement, teamwork, friendship, and let’s not forget the fun of hockey.
As Sledge Hockey of Eastern Ontario (SHEO) says:
Hockey for every body!
Here’s a short video clip from the Nov.24 game to give you an idea of the action:
