Barrie high schools compete in annual Kempenfelt Cup

School spirit was on full display at the Sadlon arena in Barrie Wednesday for the 10th Annual Kempenfelt Cup.

Public high school hockey teams took to the ice in a multi-game tournament but the event was about more than just hockey.

“It’s great, all of the schools coming out like this, lots of energy, you usually don’t get to see the other schools coming out to one big event” says Grade 10 student Alex Nikolovski.

The hockey tournament, featuring public high schools, has become so popular it’s now been split into three days covering all of Simcoe County. On Tuesday, the event featured schools in the southern part of the county. Wednesday was Barrie’s turn.

“It’s something all of the kids look forward to, it really promotes school culture and school spirit. Everyone is dressed up in their school colours,” said Colin Dowins, co-organizer of the event.

“It’s a lot of fun, supporting our school and the energy and environment. I like being here,” said grade 10 student at Maple Ridge Secondary School Ruby Gould, repping her school colours.

The students were not just supporting their individual schools but local charities as well. Between Tuesday and Wednesday, thousands of dollars was raised for local food banks and Christmas cheer. For students in grade 12, this could be their last experience at a Kempenfelt Cup.

“I think it’s an awesome experience. It’s like a once in a lifetime experience. We are all friends here and it’s just great to see other people” said grade 12 student Riley Simone.

“When you are out there, you just get a feeling that there’s a bunch of people watching you and you just play your heart out,” said grade nine student Logan Munshaw, who played in his first ever Kempenfelt Cup Wednesday.

Mariya Konkova, a grade 12 student at Barrie North Collegiate Institute, could be seen videotaping the hockey games.

“I’m very happy to see all the encouragement and I like how all the schools are communicating. They are talking to one another because we have friends from all the other schools, so it’s a very good way to communicate with other schools and friends and just have a way to talk to people and socialize,” said Konkova.

The Eastview Secondary School boys ands girls teams both won Wednesday’s titles. Both teams from Nottawasaga Pines Secondary School won Tuesday’s championships.

Students were able to raise money this year for local food banks and Barrie & District Christmas Cheer. Organizers and students say they can’t wait to have it back next year.