2026 Biidaaban Classic
Fans filled the bleachers and overhead viewing area at the Massey Community Arena on February 11, travelling from far and wide to cheer on the student hockey players, bench staff, timekeepers, and referees. All participating schools - Biidaaban, Shawanosowe, Sacred Heart, Lakeview, and Pontiac - were given equal representation (ice-time) at the day-long hockey tournament, expertly arranged by Mr. Kevin Lester, Biidaaban’s Physical Wellness Instructor. The tournament started at 8am and wrapped up by 5pm. It is necessary to acknowledge some of the behind-the-scenes planning and organizing that goes into these education-based tournaments, including:
- collaboration between all the schools, involving a constant flow of communication;
- available staff equipped with adequate knowledge and skill to coach on the bench and ensure student safety and wellbeing;
- construction of a schedule to include all teams having an opportunity to play each other, and calculating which teams will compete in the Final Game;
- financial contributions to cover costs, including arena rental;
- acquiring volunteers, referees, timekeepers, equipment/supplies, and practice times; and
- team transportation!
Dedicated parents delivered student players to the Massey Arena starting at 7am on the morning of the Biidaaban Classic! Shawanosowe, Pontiac, and Lakeview schools travelling the furthest to compete, also had a very early morning start! Mr. Maracle proudly acknowledged that many helpers were on hand early to get the tournament rolling, including his Grade 8 class. They unloaded pop, water, and supplies, bringing it all upstairs for their Canteen and Raffle Table. He shared, “They did very well with sales towards the Grade 8 fundraiser!” The students offered pancakes, sausages, and other breakfast fare in the morning, followed up by chilli and scone for lunch, and pop, chips & snacks for in between. Students were responsible for calculating needed quantities, acquiring the supplies in advance, managing a float/change for sales, replenishing supplies as sales continued, and being available at their designated posts to serve patrons.
The games were a lot of fun to watch! All teams playing respectfully and competitively. The brightly coloured hockey jerseys, emblazoned with each unique school logo, brought a sense of identity and community to the tournament. The uniforms glowed vibrantly on the ice as skaters soared around, swooping in to grab up the puck, and netting goals. After each game, both teams gathered on the ice for a group photo, and Mr. Lester announced the most sportsmanlike player, congratulating the winner with a McDonald’s gift card. The Final Game came down to Lakeview (M’Chigeeng) versus Sacred Heart (Espanola).
Once tournament games finished up, spectators and students moved to the upstairs room overlooking the ice; much warmer and more comfortable than the rink area. This also served as a comfy space to hangout during the day if your team wasn’t playing and gave a bird’s eye view of the hockey action. Mr. Lester called attention to the awards celebration, citing that the winners’ names and their school will be engraved on the grand prize trophy. While the trophy remains in the display cabinet at Biidaaban, the winning school received a large sized 2026 Champs banner, with the second-place team receiving a 2026 Runner Up banner. Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophies were awarded to each team as follows: Shawanosowe Bobcats player, Leo, was named Tournament MVP, Lakeview MVP is Bray, Sacred Heart MVP is Chase, and Biidaaban MVP is Avery. All First and Second Place team members were presented with tournament medals. A memorial trophy honouring Rennison Ruth, was awarded to the Outstanding Team Player of the Annual Biidaaban Classic. This year’s recipient was Gavin Eshkakogan! Congratulations, Gavin! and to his Mama, Brooke Eshkakogan, who cheered loud and proud “I’m his Mama!” as she hurried up [sporting a hoodie with the caption ‘Hockey is Good Medicine] for a photo opportunity. The trophy was presented by Myna Toulouse – the late Rennison’s, Nohomis (grandmother) and Jennifer Ruth – Rennison’s mother, Myna’s daughter).
For the dedication and efforts of all education staff from participating teams involved to make this annual sporting event take place, chi miigwech! Miigwech to Biidaaban Eagles’ bench staff: Kayla Morell, Scott Restoule, Brooke Eshkakogan, and Carson Abitong! A special miigwech also goes out to members of the Espanola Paper Kings, who volunteered their services for the entire day as referees for the games. We couldn’t do it without you!
And to the students and fans who bring the spirit to the game, miigwech to all of you too! Miigwech to everyone in attendance who supported the Grade 8 Fundraising Canteen and Raffle Table throughout the day! Mr. Maracle and Miss Jeanette, thank you for supporting the Grade 8 students. Miigwech, and kudos to the Grade 8s for their efforts flipping pancakes, prepping food, refilling fridges with beverage options, maintaining sales, and offering timekeeping services throughout the day to ensure the tournament went smoothly with fans and players adequately fed, watered, and entertained! Miigwech again to Mr. Lester for his passion and devotion to this annual event, to the Student Support staff, Miss Becky, and the Cultural Workers who also lent their support and cheers from the stands. See you again next year!
