Annual Sharks Winter Classic a big hit for women’s hockey

The annual Barrie Sharks Winter Classic has brought girls and women’s hockey teams together from across the province

Three of Barrie’s arenas have been packed this Family Day long weekend for the annual Barrie Sharks Winter Classic, which has brought girls and women’s hockey teams together from across the province.

The tournament, hosted by the Barrie Women’s Hockey Association (BWHA) is in its third year, with 77 teams ranging from U-9 house league to the 18-plus adult women’s division. Teams have driven in from as far north as Temiskaming Shores, as far west as Owen Sound, and as far south as the Niagara Region.

“This is such a big part of their lives,” said Julianne Bouwhuis, the tournament’s director. “Just like any other sport, to be a part of a team is something you learn and something you carry forward for the rest of your life.”

The three-day tournament has been icing games at East Bayfield Community Centre, Allandale Recreation Centre and Peggy Hill Team Community Centre.

Between players, coaches, parents and other family members, the Winter Classic has drawn approximately 1,500 in total and is therefore seen as a crucial weekend for women’s hockey in the region.

“The PWHL is huge, and so this is such a great starting block for all those kids,” added Bouwhuis.

“It feels so important having our own tournament,” said Leah Montgomery, a U-18 house league player on the Barrie Sharks orange team. “It’s our home games, our home teams. I get to play with the friends that I’ve had since I was four years old.”

The tournament wraps up with its championship games scheduled for Monday.

Despite the winter storm passing through the region, a Sunday update was posted on the BWHA website stating that games will proceed as long as it remains safe for them to do so. Organizers say contingency plans are in place in the event of delays or cancellations.