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CBC's Hockey Night in Canada made its first ever stop in Newfoundland on June 27-28, with a wonderful event held on the Campus of Memorial University in St. John's.

The event featured 136 teams, over 900 participants, and an estimated 8,500 spectators who came out in droves to cheer on the kids and enjoy some fantastic weather. Included in the event were teams that came from all corners of Newfoundland and from remote areas of Labrador.

When asked what he remembered most about his first experience operating an event in St. John's, National Program Director Scott Hill shared his new appreciation for the wonderful people of Newfoundland, and also shared this story:

"Two teams in the Jukers (11&Under) division from Grand Falls - Windsor were scheduled to play each other late Saturday afternoon. [Editor's note: Grand Falls - Windsor is approximately a four hour drive from St. John's]. When the time to start the game finally arrived, one team had warmed up and was prepared to play, while the other team was distraught, as their goalie was nowhere to be found.

The two teams knew each other, and therefore also knew that this was going to be a very competitive game. In their youthful exuberance, most of the players from the team that was ready to play swarmed around the referee and expressed their desire for a quick start, hoping that the other goalie would not show, and thus increasing their chances of winning. However, the captain of the team without their goalie pleaded intently to the official for more time. When no additional time could be granted, and the teams were called to start the game, the team captain was frantic and committed to fill in as the new goalie...

Until, at that very instant, up screeched a new Ford pick-up truck, and out jumped the tardy goalie with his goal equipment in tow. Parents and fans cheered loudly at his sight, and his team mates were so ecstatic they started jumping amongst themselves with excitement just seeing his arrival. Some members of the opposing team hung their heads knowing that the game would now be much more difficult...

All except for one player, the smallest player on either team. Noticing that none of the other team's parents or team mates were helping their own goalie get his pads and gear on, he quickly took control of the situation. He threw off his gloves and helmet, ran over to the other side of the rink, told the goalie to lay down, and then proceeded to help strap his arch rival's pads on for him.

The smiles around the rink could have lit up the entire city.

It was a brilliant moment, a fantastic display of purity and passion from a young boy who just wanted to play the game properly against a fully prepared opponent.

As the game went on, the goalie played as fantastic as expected, and made several outstanding saves. However, the same small boy - who had already earned first star of the game honours with his selfless pre-game performance - further secured the praise of all while scoring multiple goals, including the game winner.

And his goal celebrations were as exciting as any of those ever displayed by Alex Ovechkin!"

Congratulations goes out to all division winners, who were all very impressive and deserving, and who took home some great prizing, including sticks and gloves provided by Sande Hockey and hats provided by The Hockey News. Special mention goes out to the Idea Factory Stingrays, who defeated a team from Bonavista led by NHL Stars Adam Pardy (Calgary Flames) and Andrew Sweetland (Florida Panthers) in the Elite final and who will be a formidable challenge for any team at the next National Championship.

We can't wait to return to St. John's in 2010... !!!

Play On!

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