By all accounts Hockey Day in Salmon Arm was a great success.
From atom to bantam, and bantam to the Silverbacks it seemed like everyone enjoyed celebrating Canada’s favourite pastime.
Roy Sakaki, Salmon Arm Minor Hockey Association’s administrator was thrilled by the turnout.
He said relatives, friends and neighbours joined Salmon Arm Minor Hockey Association and the Salmon Arm Silverbacks for a celebration of hockey.
“Hockeyville lives on,” said Sakaki.
In all, 10 games were played at the Shaw Centre, starting at 8 a.m. with a battle between two Salmon Arm atom rec teams.
Throughout the day, the Shaw Centre was a-buzz with energy, featuring many playoff battles for the local peewee, bantam and midget teams.
The sound of kids stickhandling echoed down the hallway as they defiantly warmed up for their next game in front of the sign that says “No stickhandling in the hall.”
Fans huddled together drinking coffee and hot chocolate to stay warm in the cold stands, while they cheered on the players on the ice.
After eight minor hockey games and a junior B league game between the 100 Mile House Wranglers and the Revelstoke Grizzlies, more than 1,900 fans packed the stands in the Shaw Centre to watch the Silverbacks take on their fierce rivals from Vernon.
All minor hockey teams in the area received free tickets to both junior games. Many of the teams took advantage of the offer and could easily be spotted wearing their orange-accented Silvertips jerseys.
Food donations were also collected at the entrance for the local food banks.
In the second intermission of the Silverbacks game, Braby Motors sponsored the Braby Shoot to Win contest, which gave four people one chance to win a brand new vehicle.
Unfortunately, no one drove away in the new vehicle, but Kevin Harrison came within inches.
In a fitting end to the day’s celebration of hockey, the Silverbacks held off the Vipers for a 1-0 win, which received a standing ovation from the 1,900 fans.
Former SAMHA player and country music artist, Jesse Mast wrapped up the night at Intermissions Restaurant and Lounge.