First-ever Day of Champions held under Lake Erie Minor Hockey banner

The U13 Yellow team celebrates a win at the Day of Champions

House league hockey players were wrapping up their seasons on the weekend and finding out which team was the best.

They were also part of history in the process.

The house league “Day of Champions” was held last Saturday at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg and at Harrow Arena, the first one under the banner of the Lake Erie Minor Hockey Association (LEMHA).

The inaugural season of the LEMHA is concluding, with the new association being comprised of the former Amherstburg Minor Hockey Association and the Erie North Shore Minor Hockey Association, the latter having represented Harrow and Kingsville.

“I think it went better than expected but not without some lessons learned for sure,” said LEMHA co-president Wes Ewer. 

With more house league players this season, Ewer said it led to increased competition. The house league division played in-house this year, but it is anticipated the association will return to the local interlock league and face off with house league teams from other centres around the area.

Travis McGuire is presented the Youth Volunteer Award from U18 convenor and Grey team head coach Mike Kosikar.

“We did ask for feedback and it was pretty clear the kids wanted to go back to interlock,” said Ewer.

Ewer credited vice president of house league Jacqui Macleod for her efforts, not only organizing Day of Champions, but all seasons as well.

“Jacqui and her team did a great job,” said Ewer.

Macleod said there were over 600 players in the house league division this hockey season. She believed the season was a success this season under the new association.

“Overall, it worked out well,” said Macleod.

Macleod believed it will be even better next year, also pointing out the LEMHA house league players will be competing in interlock next season. It was also a successful year for her personally as well.

“I have learned so much and have grown so much,” she said. 

Macleod said she learned to delegate, ask for help and to not do too much herself.

The Lake Erie Minor Hockey Association travel banquet is planned for April 16 at 6 p.m. at the Libro Centre. The association’s AGM is May 14 at Harrow Arena.

First-ever Day of Champions held under Lake Erie Minor Hockey banner

By Ron Giofu